From the winemaker of the wonderful Kangarilla Road wines comes 2 up a well-priced and sumptuous offering. Concentrated blackberry and sweet minty aromas, blueberries, chocolate and cola spices. Lush on the palate with ripe dark fruit, pepper, leather and warm spices with supple tannins.
2 up is a traditional game of chance - so I'll bet the farm you'll like what's in the bottle.
Pair with burgers, pizza and the like.
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 20th, 2007

Like the Clay Station Viognier I recently reviewed the 337 is part of the Delicato Family Vineyards portfolio.
It's a ripe, muscular Cabernet with a brilliant garnet color oozing cassis and blackberries, dark earth and spiced chocolate. Solid new world Cabernet flavours, richly spiced with lush fruit, a hint of bell pepper and more chocolate on the finish.
Full-bodied and smooth and exceedingly easy to guzzle.
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 17th, 2007

Melon and spiced pears in cream with vanilla, white floral notes and a hint of honeyed gala apple. On the palate it shows pineapple and melon, vanilla a hint of honey and oak spices. Not overly oaked - a nice balance of fresh flavours and rounded texture.
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 29th, 2008

Plums and stewed fruit aromas, lots of spiced oak, earth and leather with undertones of coconut, vanilla, char, earth and white pepper. Dark and muscular, full-bodied with dark earth, spice, leather and tobacco good acidity, somewhat hot and drying, firm tannins on the finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 17th, 2008

Vibrant!
Fresh aromas - juicy citrus, crisp pear/apple, mineral notes, honey and fruit blossoms. Surprising power, the balance is lovely - it's not Grigio style but not an over-the-top Pinot Gris either. The best way to describe it is intriguing and pristine - smacking acidity with layers of citrus, honeycomb, mountain stream minerality, a hint of almond, anise and a suggestion of green herbs on the finish.
A screw-cap topper makes it perfect for picnics.
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 14th, 2008

The name 8th Generation refers to the eight generations of Schales family who have dedicated their lives to winemaking - starting in Germany in 1783 and now continuing in Summerland. One of the Okanagan's newest wineries 8th Generation is showing promise.
The Rose is made from 100% Pinot Meunier and is a very pale salmon hue. Aromas of sweet berries, peach skin, orange peel and earthy undertones. On the palate it's refreshing and crisp - pleasantly off-dry with fresh berries, tobacco and lingering cedar and spices on the finish. Snappy acidity with a strong backbone that makes it good for sipping solo or alfresco meals.
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 10th, 2008

The name 8th Generation refers to the eight generations of Schales family who have dedicated their lives to winemaking - starting in Germany in 1783 and now continuing in Summerland. One of the Okanagan's newest wineries 8th Generation is showing promise.
The Riesling reminds me of the dry Rieslings being made (and consumed) in Germany right now. Loads of green apple and mineral aromas, citrus peel, honey and peach skin notes. Zippy and fresh on the palate with spritzy lemon, lime zest and ripe white fruit flavours - lip-smacking good.
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 10th, 2008

From one of my favorite Primitivo producers A Mano comes this newly released white, a screw-topped 50/50 blend of the indigenous varietals Fiano and Greco di Tufo.
A rich straw colour with gold glints the Bianco reminds me of my favorite lemon/lime Calippo ice-pops showing lime and sweet lemon, stone mineral and honeysuckle aromas. On the palate it's crisp on the entry with citrus zest then smooths out mid-palate with sweet herbal flavours and has a refreshing finish with lingering lemon-pepper.
Intriguing!
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 15th, 2007

From one of my favourite Puglian producers A Mano is this always delicious Primitivo. Very easy drinking and fresh, oozing blueberry, raspberry and blackberry liqueur aromas with sweet spices and tobacco notes. It's supple and spiced with soft tannins on the finish.
Easy access screwcap and perfect for a summer barbecue!
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 6th, 2008

Opulent aromas - warm, ripe cherries, dried fruits and savoury herbs with a hint of char and cocoa and alluring fruitcake spice notes. Lush and supple on the palate showing dense black fruits, cherries, dark chocolate and allspice - soft acidity, integrated tannins and a silky finish tasting of spiced espresso.
Very good!
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 15th, 2008

Golden in the glass with loads of toast, caramel and roasted pineapple aromas with notes of vanilla and sweet spice. On the palate - creamy, ripe fruit and vanilla with lingering oak spice - a bit hot in the mouth and made for drinkers who love their oak.
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 13th, 2008

From the fantastic Argentine producer Catena comes this Alamos label. The wine is indigo in colour with juicy purple berries, cocoa and smoky sweet spices, cedar chips and crushed dark floral notes. The palate is bold, plush and big-boned with supple fruit, plenty of peppery spice, espresso, dark chocolate and cedary flavours. Fine, slightly bitter tannins llinger.
Very good.
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 29th, 2009

A rich garnet-hue with indigo hints. Bright, upfront dark floral and briary berry aromas with deep, earthy chocolaty notes and sweet allspice. Creamy dark berries and plummy flavours on the palate, supple and full-bodied with peppery spices on the finish.
A very enjoyable Syrah.
Wine Scores Reviewed - February 12th, 2008

Just what I look for in a Viognier...
White peach, lifted honeysuckle, soft exotic spices,and some tropical notes. Juicy and bright on the palate with crisp fruit, a lush texture and long spiced finish.
Not to be missed!
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 5th, 2007

Rich and ripe with juicy black currant aromas. Smooth and lush with creamy dark chocolate, spic, leather and mocha. Opulent, with a solid structure and balanced with fresh acidity and fine dusty tannins on the finish.
Impressive as a gift or for your private cellar.
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 28th, 2007

Crisp red apple and lemony aromas, honey roasted nuts, minerals and toasty notes. Creamy on the palate with white fruit, sweet vanilla, oak spice and lemon cream. Fresh and a bit racy (like its namesake Andretti) across the finish line.
Nicely done!
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 18th, 2007

Like the Andretti Selections Fume Blanc the Andretti Selections Merlot is a new arrival in select private wine stores in BC.
It has juicy black plum, cherry and smoky aromas and shows sweet oak, chocolate and menthol notes. Medium-full bodied and rich on the palate presenting nice acidity, a smooth finish with dark berries, vanilla and sweet spice flavours.
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 18th, 2007

Light straw in colour with exotic citrus, white peach, minerals, and warm spice aromas with tropical floral notes. Slick and seductive on the palate showing lime oil, licorice and white pepper. Refreshing and voluptuous--a deadly good combination!
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 17th, 2007

Red cherries, floral and dried fruit aromas with leathery barnyard notes. Fresh cherry on the palate with a rustic earthiness and bright acidity, leather, light spices and roasted coffee on the finish. It has good grip and fine, earthy tannins on the finish.
Classic Chianti...pair with tomato sauces and antipasti.
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 29th, 2007

Straw coloured with amber glints the Santa Cristina has peach jelly and lemon cream aromas, it's scented with orange blossom, minerals and almond oil notes. Crisp and bright on the entry, softly rounded on the mid-palate and showing a lovely, refreshing zestiness on the finish.
Wonderful!
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 6th, 2007

Smooth like cognac with parallel aromas. Rich, slightly sherried and nutty with hints of spice and earth. Not too sweet, warm and elegant. Great with nutty chocolates-dark chocolate covered almonds, milk chocolate peanut clusters, dark chocolate macadamia nuts and cashews. Surprisingly tasty with Purdy's Hedgehogs and Hagensborg "Truffle Pig' white chocolate raspberry cream filled bars!
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 7th, 2006

An inky cherry coloured wine with black currents, mint and graphite aromas followed by briary berry, bell pepper and dense chocolate notes. The entry is smooth - the palate is quite intense, the fruit is amazingly fresh for a four year old vintage. Good acidity and balance with spice, cedary and tobacco flavours on the finish the tannins are nicely integrated.
Solid, well constructed wine.
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 10th, 2008

Rich and ripe on the nose - mulberry and currents, smoky plums and earth, woodsy/undergrowth aromas, sweet tobacco and spices. In the mouth - silky and lush with dark fruits, chocolate and coffee - a warm spiced mouthful with a lovely linger...
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 16th, 2008

Vibrant pomelo citrus and honey aromas, lime zest and white blossoms on the nose. Crisp and fresh on the palate, lemons and minerals, soft acidity rather than sharp and bracing with delicate fruit flavours.
Very nice!
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 16th, 2008

Plush black fruit aromas - plums and blackberries - spiced cocoa, hints of floral and rubber/smoky hints often found in South African Shiraz....The palate shows the same black fruits, bittersweet chocolate and spices, it's fresh, youthful and the tannins are smooth.
Good value.
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 15th, 2009

Simply super sipper.
This affordable Piedmontese white wine is as refreshing as its crisp green label. It has apple skin, lemon, stone fruit and minerals with crisp acidity, subtle integrated flavours and a smooth mouth-feel. Look for it in private wine stores you will not be dissapointed!
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 12th, 2007

Big and sexy. The label screams strong and silent but the juice inside is warm and giving.
Unctuous black cherry, vanilla, smoke and cocoa-mocha coffee aromas. Appealing bright red berry--youthful on the palate with sweet oak spice flavours and a grippy finish. This wine reminds us of what California does so well...
62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc of which 94% is Sonoma County and 6% is Napa Valley.
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 9th, 2007

Sweet cherries, creamy red berries, dried fruit and leather aromas with plum and toffee undertones. Rich and supple on the palate, savoury hints, ripe red fruit and oak spice on the finish.
Track this one down and take it home to enjoy!
A blend of Monica, Bovale Sardo and Carignan.
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 5th, 2008

An indigenous varietal from the Island of Sardinia - Nuragus creates this lush creamy wine that oozes tropical fruit - pineapple, mango and creme caramel with undertones of spice. Ripe fruit returns on the palate with exotic flowers, honey and deft oak flavours on the finish.
Very nice paired with soft or smoked cheeses.
As reviewed in Infamous magazine May 2008
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 5th, 2008

This Southern France blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot has aromas of berry fruit, cocoa, smoke, tar and meaty notes. On the palate it is smooth with chewy flavours - dark fruit, fine spices and tobacco with a bittersweet chocolate. It is full-bodied and quite savoury, a wine for hard cheeses or rich meat dishes.
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 23rd, 2009

Opaque cherry-ruby in colour with aromas of coffee, black cherries, cedar, vanilla, coconut and sweet blueberry and blackberry on the back end. Fresh, juicy berry flavours followed by toasted spices, vanilla and chocolate. Easy to drink, supple and yes - tasty as heck!
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 18th, 2008

Here I go again...divulging secrets.
Yes, shocking as it may be, you can drink a purple Napa for under $25.
The Avalon is tasty as heck with plums and black cherry, chocolate and vanillin oak aromas spiked with patchouli notes--dried flowers and cedar wood. Silky with lush dark fruit and plums, rich chocolate and coffee liqueur. Smoothly finished and addictive.
Keep this one a secret will ya!
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 17th, 2007

This regional bairrada blend of Baga, Tinta Roriz, and Touriga Nacional emits juicy mixed berries, chocolate and sunbaked earth, chalky minerality with fine, spice-box aromas. It is clean, powerful fruit on the palate, berries and black cherries, fresh minerality and fine dusty tannins. Good value and good concentration...
Pair with roast pork, hard cheeses or savoury rice and beans.
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 12th, 2009

A juicy Pinot Noir with primary red fruit aromas - cranberry and sour cherry, fine pepper and cigarbox, a hint of violets and undertones of savoury herbs and green olive. The palate is fresh with good berry/cherry flavours, toasted spice and cedar. Nice complexity, lively acidity and a silky texture.
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 20th, 2009

Very ripe fruit aromas of pear, guava and snappy grapefruit with exotic floral, honey and hint of mushroom. The palate has a kiss of sweetness with pleasing spice, stonefruit and grapefruit peel flavours. Lovely rounded, not assertive, acidity and a refreshing finish.
Pair with white fish or vegetarian spring rolls dipped in spicy fruit sauce.
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 23rd, 2009

The Babich has bold aromatics - popped corn, nettles, gooseberry, snap peas and zippy lemon. Very typical kiwi Sauvignon Blanc aromas and flavours - easy drinking, yet intense and snappy with herbal, mineral and grapefruity flavours the texture has a pleasing roundness, softening the acidity. All in all an impressive wine for fish or crisp salads with vinagrettes.
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 18th, 2009

Ya gotta love a wine with less than 11% alcohol...
Ress is certainly a favorite of mine and I love the price point too...Aromas are of gala apples and peaches, candied citrus rind and minerals. Off-dry and apple-y on the palate, snappy acidity with a squeeze of lime and hints of peaches and orange zest on the finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 2nd, 2009

Cherries, tar, pretty dark floral ,cocoa and sweet tobacco notes. Juicy but reserved red fruit on the palate with leather, dusty tannins mid-palate and nice acidity. Well priced mid-week pasta wine!
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 12th, 2007

A fun and affordable bubbly for summer sipping, in white sangria or a good pairing with spicy dishes.
Pale straw in colour with obvious fruitcup aromas, candied citrus peel and pear compote. Expect a sweetish, mousse-y bubbly with a bright entry followed by pear, citrus and gingery flavours and a crisp finish.
It's not a serious bubbly and it's not trying to be. But if you are looking for an off-dry, affordable fizz this one will fill the bill...
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 25th, 2009

Sweet cherry aromas with minty/herbal notes and roasted, meaty hints. Smooth on the palate with fresh dark fruit and spice with juicy acidity and a long, spiced cocoa finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 21st, 2007

Earthy aromas, cocoa, black cherry and berries, herbs and spice. Medium-bodied with lots of acidity, fruit, pepper and dusty tannins on the finish.
A simple and attractively priced Monday-to-Wednesday dinner wine.
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 26th, 2007

Soft white fruit aromas, citrus, minerals and cut grass. Crisp and light on the palate with juicy grapefruit, herbs and minerals with citrus rind on the finish.
Very affordable light-bodied, weekday white.
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 19th, 2007

This vin rouge is a blend of Syrah, Grenache, Malbec, Cabernet and Merlot with aromas of plums and mixed black fruits, spices, leather and savoury 'garrigue' herbs and intense espresso tones. Rustic but smooth on the palate showing layered fruit, spice and roasted coffee bean flavours. The finish is a bit chewy with a hint of bitterness.
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 30th, 2008

A crisp, mouth-watering Sauvignon Blanc at an awesome price.
Juicy lemon/lime, tart passionfruit, fresh cut grass and mineral aromas. Vibrant on the palate with peach and honey flavours, clean mineral hints and a zesty clean finish.
Ooh la la!
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 2nd, 2007

Classic old-world Pinot Noir aromas...red cherry, raspberry and barnyard notes of leather, straw and earthy forest floor. Light-medium bodied with tart cherries, fleur de sel, pepper and cedar flavours on the finish.
This is the weekday wine you want with your pan seared mushrooms, roasted root veg or fowl.
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 26th, 2007

Classic Pinot Noir aromas...red cherry, raspberry and earthier - leather, sweet hay, vanilla and woodsy notes. Medium-bodied with soft mixed berry fruit, pepper, tobacco and mocha flavours on the finish.
This is the weekday wine you'll want to have with pan-seared mushrooms.
Very good value Pinot Noir!
Wine Scores Reviewed - February 6th, 2008

Savoury and rustic - with cherries, meaty tones, tar and crushed flowers - a brooding Chianti Classico. The entry is fresh and spicy with balanced acidity followed up with flavours of earth, leather and mocha - powerful tannins linger on the finish.
Best to decant before drinking - will pair will with roasted meat dishes.
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 4th, 2008

retasted
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 28th, 2007

Smoked cherry aromas, brambleberries dusted with cocoa, dry earth and eucalyptus. Dried fruit and coffee beans on the palate with menthol flavours and a dry spiced finish with dusty tannins
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 17th, 2006

A delight of honey, apple peel, stone fruit, fragrant floral, straw and mineral with a hint of almonds. It has fantastic acidity, fine bubbles and impressive complexity for the price. It also has a creamy mousse and leesy flavours with a zesty citrus linger.
This is a wine produced for, and served in Joseph Bastianich and Mario Batali's restaurants in the U.S. This is the first time it has been sold in Canada!
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 3rd, 2009

This IGT blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Picolit is one of two of celebrity Chef Lidia and restauranteur son Joseph (business partner with Mario Batali) Bastianich's white wines currently available in BC Liquor stores.
It's a complex wine, golden in colour with loads of mineral, green pear and melon, honey, caramel and citrus. It has a nice weight on the tongue with plenty of caramel, oak spice and citrus flavours. The finish is crisp and minerally.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 21st, 2009

This stylish Sauvignon Blanc is a new offering from a winery owned by celebrity Chef Lidia Bastianich and her restauranteur son Joseph (business partner to Chef Mario Batali). Mineral aromas set the stage, followed by melon and bright citrus, suggestions of toast, almonds, a hint of vanilla and savoury herbs. Lively, presenting crisp white fruits - the melon, almonds and citrus peel reappear on the palate. It has impressive complexity, a lovely weight and long snappy finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 9th, 2009

A ruby-hued Barbera hinting at brick with sweet, earthy cherry aromas, dark floral and dried fruit notes with a touch of orange peel. Medium-bodied and silky on the entry showing flavours of cherries, leather and ceda - it becomes silty textured and earthy finishing with orange peel, dark floral flavours and a hint of bitter-sweet chocolate.
Attractive price.
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 5th, 2008

Lush!
Sweet, ripe berries, black cherry and fragrant floral aromas with cocoa and leathery undertones. Supple and silky on the palate - flavours of chocolate covered berries, pepper, tobacco and sweeter spiced licorice and smooth vanilla on the finish.
Delicious!
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 3rd, 2008

Merlot....with a touch of Malbec.
I was impressed by Bellingham's sometimes unique blends when I tasted them in South Africa last fall.
Aromas of blueberry, black cherry, leather and plums and earthy/savoury smoked notes. Supple in the mouth, earthy/savoury flavours are prominent rounded out by spiced berries and cherry. A solid, well-made wine with fine, dusty tannins on the finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 17th, 2009

Melon and crisp apple aromas, fruit blossoms and a drizzle of honey with peachy tones on the tail end.... Smooth yet crisp with juicy white fruits and smoky/flinty minerality and a mouth-watering finish.
An affordable white with good bones.
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 2nd, 2009

This is a producer that over-delivers.
The Barbera d'Alba (Barbera from the DOC of Alba) shows bright cherry fruit, sweet plummy notes, rich earth and violet aromas with a hint of blueberry, woodsmoke, iodine and espresso liqueur. The palate is medium-full bodied and smooth with a bright, prickly sensation, the flavours echo the aromas featuring loads of fresh berry fruit and cedar, the acidity is bright and the tannins firm.
Very tasty!
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 5th, 2008

A peachy hued Pinot Grigio with fruitcup aromas - pear/peach/apple - honey and citrus blossoms. The palate is refreshing featuring plenty of tree fruit and honey and a suggestion of spice. The finish is zesty, the acidity soft and rounded.
A pleasant, easy quaffer.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 20th, 2009

The discovery/mistake of White Zinfandel saved not only wine producers, but a lot of Zinfandel vines in the 1970s. Consumers, finding these sweet, fresh wines to their liking have never looked back. Even as more and more dry pink wines hits the shelves at higher alcohol levels, blush wines or White Zins are still extremely popular.
If you are in the mood for a sweet wine with low alcohol the Beringer has confectionary aromas of strawberries, marshmallow and cotton candy. In the mouth it's sweet but with plenty of crisp citrus and peachy flavours to add to it's berry notes.
Good for sipping solo or drink with spicy Asian cuisine.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 20th, 2009

Loads of fresh aromas, cherries and plums with vanilla and sweet spices. It's a medium-full bodied wine with fresh fruit on the palate, fine tannins throughout with a slightly dry, dusty mouth-feel. Good value and easy-drinking.
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 16th, 2009

An interesting dichotomy of toasted spices and buttered nut aromas, the fruit is hidden on the nose but then comes galloping through on the palate. Flavours of pineapple and dried/candied fruit and citrus peel, vanilla caramels and sweet spice linger on the finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 6th, 2009

A great pairing with camembert, this smoky Merlot has bold plummy aromas with rich dark earth, leather, cocoa. It is smooth on the palate with spiced plum and savoury flavours - tobacco, oak and some roasted meat tones - integated tannins and a subtle lingering finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 23rd, 2009

Sweet pineapple, exotic citrus, melon and buttery vanilla shortbread notes. Rounded on the palate showing crisp pear and orchard fruit with caramel spice lingering on the finish.
Seductive and tempting with no harsh oaky edges.
Pair with grilled fish in cream sauces.
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 20th, 2008

Craving Merlot?
When you crave Merlot - smooth, rich and fruity - this one will satisfy.
Deep fruit aromas - plums and raspberries - earthy dark chocolate with faint minty notes. Supple on the palate with lovely balanced acidity, good, classic merlot flavours showing dark fruit, toasted oak and lingering sweetly spiced vanilla on the finish.
Pair with fun, casual fare - pizza or barbecue.


Wine Scores Reviewed - January 23rd, 2008

This Cortese is a terrific departure from your everyday Sauvignon or Chardy option. Delicate aromas of pear, minerals, pretty apple blossom and citrus, a hint of guava, beeswax and herbal undertones. The texture is rounded, slightly oily with flavours of citrus peel and white fruit, almond lingers. The finish is clean and zesty. Pair with fish or light appetizers.
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 5th, 2009

Dark, earthy and meaty notes with mixed red berry and blackberry aromas. On the palate its medium-bodied and fresh with sweet berry fruits, smoke and similar to the aromas shows plenty of meaty/earthy flavours. The texture is quite smooth with soft tannins on the finish.
Definitely a wine to pair with game and roasted meat dishes.
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 28th, 2008

Bright red berry fruits, cigar smoke, savoury herbal tones and wild blueberries. Juicy fresh berries, spiced and toasty some char grilled aromas and bittersweet chocolate - a wine for grilled meat or roasted vegetable dishes.
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 16th, 2008

Ripe blackberry, vanilla and chocolate aromas with savoury, meaty undertones and spices. The flavours are spiced blackberries, plums, roasted coffee, toasted spices and charred tones with bittersweet chocolate and minty/eucalypt flavours. Full-bodied with spice and coffee flavours lingering on the palate.
Great price!
Wine Scores Reviewed - February 3rd, 2009

A first for me, this sparkling Semillon made from grapes from the Yenda region of SE Australia is a great value sparkler!
Briliant golden yellow in colour with aromas of orange blossoms, apple and lime with hints of toast. On the palate its crisp and refreshing with verve and it will pair wonderfully with creamy cheeses or seafood starters!
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 20th, 2007

It's coy label may belie what seriousness is housed inside...
The Alibi is a 80/20 blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon that has followed in big brother Nota Bene's iconic footsteps. Primary aromas of guava, nectarine and melon with floral accents and undertones of herbs, cut grass and minerals. The palate shows a different side, hints of caramel and toast, spice and citrus zest...very good intensity and a substantial, mouth-watering finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 25th, 2009

A small lots production (less than 150 cases) the Black Hills Carmenere has very good typicity if you were to compare it to one from, say Chile...
The first whiff is undoubtably pepper, pepper, pepper followed by intense red fruits, and savoury undertones of smoke, roasted green bell pepper with meaty/gamey hints. The palate is very focused and it has a supple texture. The flavours are similar to the aromas - red fruits, roasted peppers and loads of spice with plenty of savoury undertones followed by a lengthy finish.
A wine made for grilled vegetables and roasted meat dishes.
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 22nd, 2009

A stunning Chardonnay that flaunts aromas of sweet tropical fruits and honey, exotic citrus and buttery caramel. The palate is smooth, but not weighted from poor use of oak, it's extremely fresh with vibrant citrus and nectarine and nutty praline flavours. A crisp finish lingers with clove spice...
Very elegant!
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 18th, 2009

This vintage, a blend of 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc comprises the iconic Nota Bene...
At nearly 15% alcohol it's a big boy with plenty of extraction...
Aromas of black currents and wild blueberries, chocolate cherries, vanilla and toffee with lots of black pepper. Intense on the palate with ripe dark fruit, pepper, coffee liqueur and vanillin oak flavours. Excellent structure and power with ripe tannins and a substantial finish.
Young, but drinkable now, or give it to dad for a father's day cellar keeper.
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 18th, 2009

The lightly oaked Pinot Gris has golden glints and aromas of pear, a suggestion of peach and melon with carmel and toasted spice undertones. The palate is very fresh, despite the caramel tones, showing flavours of white fruits, minerals and citrus zest.
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 15th, 2009

This always popular white blend features an aromatic melange of: Chardonnay, Optima, Ehrenfelser,Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Blanc and Riesling. The aromas are an enigmatic array of exotic citrus, honey, minerals and spiced orchard fruits. On the palate the flavours echo the aromas showing honey blossoms, orange citrus, peaches and spice with grapefruit zest. Mouth-watering acidity bright fruit and a lively lingering finish make this a wine to pair with fish, spiced dishes or simply sipping on the patio.
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 10th, 2008

The hot-of-the-presses Mixed Blessings label takes a step into the controversial subject of non-traditional unions by making you question - who really is marrying whom? These award winning cartoonish labels have always been tongue-in-cheeky, so It's doubtful anyone will take offense.
A white blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Ehrenfelser produces fruit-cup aromas of pear compote, tangerine, muskmelon, hints of spice and honey. The texture is creamy, loaded with tree fruits, exotic citrus and star anise flavours.
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 13th, 2009

Made from 60% Lemberger and 40% Merlot The Dam Flood is a memorable name but it also honors a historical event in the Okanagan.
Rich dark berry aromas, chcocolate, smoked meaty notes, vanilla and spiced dried cherries. Slightly dusty on the palate with more savoury smoked meat flavours followed by spiced cocoa. Medium-bodied with bright acidity.
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 18th, 2008

Cassis, red plums and undertones of blackberry with dark earth, savoury herbs and vanilla notes. On the palate a plummy/cherry taste jumps out followed by milk chocolate and sweet cola spice flavours. Fresh fruit on the entry with good acidity and a medium-body weight, there is a slightly dusty texture throughout and youthful tannins on the finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 18th, 2008

Alluring aromatics that might convince you that there is a Viognier or a Gewurztraminer in your glass.
This Musque clone radiates peaches, mango, fresh musk melon, honey and floral notes with candied citrus peel. On the palate it has creamy fruit- pear, apple, melon and more candied citrus with exotic star anise flavours. Bright, refreshing and just off-dry this wine seduces.
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 16th, 2008

The Blasted Church Gewurztraminer is visually appealing and refreshing as heck.
Bright aromas of orange blossoms, spiced grapefruit, honey, rose oil and crisp orchard fruits. Vibrant on the palate, showing warm spices and peppery/gingery flavours, sweet tropical fruit and lingering grapefruit zest on the finish.
Pair with all your exoticly flavoured and spicy dishes.
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 13th, 2008

This Merlot is my favourite red of the recent Blasted Church releases.
Juicy and fresh with gobs of smoked plums, spiced chocolate, vanilla, sweet mint and tobacco aromas. It's supple and lush and shows similar plummy, spice and chocolate flavours on the palate. The finish is long and smooth with mostly integrated tannins and a hint of coffee.
Excellent paired with Camembert!
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 23rd, 2008

This wine shows a very pretty hint of salmon-pink and has aromas of pear, white nectarine and white cranberries with honey and grapefruit undertones. On the palate it's dry, crisp and refreshing with white fruit flavours, more grapefruit and minerals hints that will pair well with fish or summer salads.
Includes a very patio friendly screw-cap!
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 10th, 2008

Vibrant purple with juicy blueberry, plum, sweet spice, vanilla and chocolate notes and a hint of menthol. On the palate it's liqueur-like, warm rich fruit, smooth and weighted with lingering dark chocolate and spice on the finish.
Pair with Christmas cake during the holidays and sweet and sour pork the rest of the year!
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 27th, 2007

History in a bottle.
From one of Australia's oldest family owned wineries this attractive 2004 vintage is a blend of 79% Shiraz and 21% Cabernet and shows aromatics of sweet, mixed dark berries, mint-chocolate and peppery notes. Smooth and fresh on the palate with more dark berry flavours, cocoa, lingering spice and appealing chewy finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 26th, 2007

Warning - this wine may spoil you for many others (or turn you into an old-world wine lover). A stunning example of an aged, silken wine. Very few places in the world are able to afford to, or have no interest in ageing wines - that's fine, but you'll see why this wine is so special.
Seductive cherries, raspberries, vanilla, chocolate, cinnamon and sweet spice cake aromas with rustic earthy undertones and iodine notes. The palate is amazingly fresh for its age - vibrant almost - sweet cherries, leather and shaved chocolate with spice lingering on the finish. Great acidity and integrated tannins make this wine perfect - right now.
Exceptional value!
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 22nd, 2009

Great value!
This fresh Pinot Gris has attractive golden glints with aromas of fresh apple and pear skin, honey blossoms, minerals and white grapefruit zest. Similar on the palate it's bright with lively zesty flavours and a hint of spice. Balanced fruit and acidity, a lovely weight and slick texture with a long finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 20th, 2008

Excellent value!
This consistent Gris has loads of ripe pear and melon aromas, minerals and exotic floral and honey. The honey returns on the palate alongside flavours of bright tree fruit, citrus and a hint of spice. The palate is slick with a lovely weight but shows plenty of acidity to keep it crisp.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 23rd, 2009

Plush.
Lifted minty tones, cassis and smoke, leather, blackberry and blueberry sweet spices and chocolate. The palate has fine, dusty tannins throughout and flavours of dark berries, bittersweet chocolate, tobacco and spice - the tannins linger through the finish.
A blend of;Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon...
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 16th, 2009

A rich blend of 40% Malbec and 30% each of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Mixed berry aromas, earth, smoke and spice with hints of vegetation. On the palate it's fresh and youthful tasting - shows ripe raspberry and blueberry flavours with creamy chocolate.
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 3rd, 2008

Great packaging!
The de Fuego is made from grapes from a 60-80 year old vineyard and has rich aromas of cocoa, ripe red berries and spiced cherry, earth and dark flowers. On the palate it has layered flavours of bitter chocolate, herbs, earth and tobacco.
An excellent value!
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 20th, 2007

I love this traditional bottle that looks so simple yet delivers the goods... This is a vibrant Tempranillo with aromas of red cherries, iodine and earth with coffee liqueur, saddle leather and strawberries. Juicy, is the best way to describe the palate, the flavours echo the aromas - red fruit, spice and cedar box. It is medium-bodied and bright with fine mouth-coating tannins and is delicate enough to pair with grilled fish or tomato based dishes.
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 19th, 2009

Prune plums and currants, dark chocolate, peppery spices, raspberry notes and sweet herbal undertones. Fresh, bright red fruit, tobacco and spices on the palate. Medium-full bodied with firm, youthful tannins and lingering spiced cocoa flavours on the finish.
Good value Cabernet.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 9th, 2008

This joven (young wine) blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha may become my summer red. The brilliance of joven wines is they are not aged in oak, so the fruit really shines. I wonder if this could become a trend elsewhere in the world as producers want their wines released earlier (no oak age means we get it sooner). The cost of oak barrels is substantial, so no oak means a more approachable price. Also, the Bardosa's lightweight bottle leaves a smaller carbon footprint.
I digress.
This is a delicious wine, period. The aromas seduce with sweet smoky cherries, dark flowers, chocolate and warm spice, the secondary tones are leather, farmyard and cedar. The palate is fresh and juicy with gobs of cherry/berry fruit and loads of spice, the texture supple and it has fantastic acidity. Fine cocoa tannins coat your mouth throughout.
Pair it with spicy sausage or a cold pasta salad with hot chilies, tomatoes and manchego.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 17th, 2009

NEW!
The Gabarda 'Uno' is a fresh, youthfull joven wine (meaning fresh with little if any oak contact) made from Grenache and Syrah. The aromas are ripe blueberries and cherry jam with vanilla notes. On the palate it has more juicy berries on the entry followed with classic, tobacco, leather and mineral flavours and lingering chocolate and spice on the finish.
A fun wine made for tapas!
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 15th, 2007

NEW!
The Gabarda IV has a label that will appeal to your sense of style and the juice to make you thank Spain.
Cherries and dark flowers abound amid rustic, earthy aromas of leather, smoked meat, white pepper and tobacco. On the palate it's creamy smooth with fresh berry/cherry, sweet spices and vanilla. The 19 months of time this wine spent in Hungarian and French oak has integrated nicely and the finish is silky.
Seriously good.
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 15th, 2007

Crianza's spend less time in oak barrels and in bottles than their big sister Reserva, this one spent a minimum of one year.
It achieves the classic rustic quality that we look for in Rioja showing cherry, dark floral earth, iodine and saddle leather notes. The palate has the lifted freshness of juicy red fruit followed by coffee, toasted oak and more leather finishing with fine, dusty tannins. Pair with Spanish cheeses or hearty meat sauces.
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 26th, 2007

As required by Spanish DOC wine laws, to be considered a Reserva a wine from Rioja must have been aged a minimum of three years--one of those in oak barrel. The Montecillo Reserva shows classic Tempranillo characteristics of cherry, red berry and sweet tobacco aromas with hints of cocoa bean and band-aid. On the palate, the fine-grained, drying tannins persist throughout with more cherry and earthy flavours finishing with a solid grip.
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 31st, 2007

This classically rustic Tempranillo will pair perfectly with all your meaty dreams--namely stews, game and roasted meat dishes.
Sweet red cherries, vanilla and dried fruit aromas with band-aid and tobacco notes. Medium-bodied on the palate with more cherry, oak and sumac spice, cocoa, toast and leather-y flavours with a smooth, warm finish and attractive price.
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 8th, 2007

Sweet and smoky - this young-ish Tempranillo (Crianza being younger upon release than Reserva) has red cherry and leather, hints of sweet spice, licorice and iodine with undertones of mocha. The acidity stands out - great for cutting through fatty dishes or cheeses - the fruit is bright and flavours echo the aromas.
Pair with rich meat dishes or aged Manchego.
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 20th, 2009

The aromas are fairly subdued - strawberries and red plums, saddle leather and spice peek out of earth. But the palate that shines in this Tempranillo, with red fruit, coffee and spice box flavours. Expect a wine with great acidity and fine, mouth-coating tannins that grab on mid-palate and don't let go.
Pair with lamb or vegetables in a tomato based stew
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 19th, 2009

Sweet, rich berries on the nose with notes of spice, saddle leather, iodine. Elegant and fresh with juicy berry and chocolate mint flavours with white pepper followed by smoky, meaty and savoury hints on the finish.
Great value!
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 17th, 2008

Excellent value! This powerful blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha and Monastrell releases intense peppery aromas with blackberry and raspberry fruit, leather tobacco and sweet/smoky notes muddled with mixed spices. Great acidity on the palate, with plenty of spiced berry and leather-y flavours and fine dry tannins on the finish.
Pair with roasted meats, hearty pasta and hard cheeses.
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 25th, 2009

Excellent Value!
It's rare to be able to purchase a wine that has some cellar age on it - more so at a price like this...
A blend of Monastrell, Garnacha and Tempranillo you can expect typical rustic earthy character - wild red berries and cherries, forest floor and leather with cocoa powder and roasted coffee beans and a pinch of finely ground white pepper. Reserved red fruit on the palate, parched earth and wild herbal flavours with the pepper really showing through. Fine tannins cling to the finish.
Pair this wine with rustic dishes, simple meats, cheeses or tomato based sauces.
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 11th, 2009

Hailing from the DO (Denominacion de Origen) Alamansa in Spain the Castillo is an earthy and garnet-hued with purplish glints and aromas of blackcurrent, plum and leather with floral, forest floor and iodine notes. A warm mid-palate shows spiced dark fruit flavours swimming in drying, chalky tannins and the finish softens with lingering oak spice.
Tempranillo, Monastrell and Garnacha
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 18th, 2007

This wine covers so many bases you'll get extra brownie points for bringing it to your next get-together.
First, the art nouveau-esque label is brilliantly attractive, second, the liquid inside is the colour of dark purple grape juice and the aromas are of crushed blackberries, smoked plums, iodine, spiced tobacco and cocoa. Immense, full-bodied and swimming with dark fruit flavours and thirdly, all for under $10!
Made from Garnacha Tintorera.
Awesome value!
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 29th, 2007

Made from the inky-hued Garnacha Tintorera grape this fantastic value wine is both savoury and aromatic.
It presents gobs of purple fruit, crushed floral notes and tobacco with roasted herbs and pepper. The Palate has plenty of bright juicy berry fruits with savoury green olive and herbal flavours. An uncomplicated wine, excellent value, with spice and roasted coffee bean flavours lingering on the finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 11th, 2009

This 50/50 blend of Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc has alluring aromas of sweet golden pineapple, creamy apricot, vanilla and hints of musky wild honey. The texture is rounded, the acidity bright and the finish lingers with citrus zest flavours. Easy drinking - a very good value.
Pair with chicken salad and mildly spicy vegetarian dishes.
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 18th, 2009

Sweet aromas - cherries and berries with vanilla and cola spices - clove and cinnamon. Simple, juicy and smooth on the palate - medium-bodied with mocha coffee flavours lingering. A simple quaffer at an affordable price...
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 20th, 2009

Mixed fruit teases your nose as you swirl it in the glass. A compilation of crushed berries and strawberry aromas. Behind the fruit is a bouquet of violets, minerals, earth and chocolate. On the palate, expect juicy fruit with flavours of cocoa and coffee grounds with spice. Its a focused wine with great acidity and fine lingering tannin.
Good value
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 19th, 2009

Inky, rich aromas - black cherry and dried fruit with dark floral and warm spice notes. Medium-bodied and smooth on the palate with juicy red fruit, leather and spiced oak flavours, balanced acidity and earthy tannin on the finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 17th, 2008

Ruby red with blue glints and appealing berry aromas, sweet spices, vanilla and dried fruit notes. In the mouth it is medium-bodied with fresh, spiced berry/cherry flavours and it shows bright acidity with fully integrated tannins.
Very easy drinking!
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 9th, 2008

Long, one of my favourite, complex Pinot Grigio's the Bollini will entice you with aromas of apple and ripe pear, almond skin and spring flowers with gorgeous mineral tones. The palate is both creamy and crisp, the acidity fresh but not aggressive, the flavours are clean and the finish long...
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 15th, 2009

Raspberry, black cherry and dried fruits abound in this organic Zinfandel - aromas of strawberry-rhubarb pie and liberal spices follow. It is smooth on the entry, it's earthy with dried fruit and chocolate, the tannins are fine-grained with spice lingering on the finish...
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 13th, 2009

This newly arrived IGT Cabernet features aromas of cherries and loads of fine spice, saddle leather and chocolate with rustic undertones of sunbaked earth, tar and pencil shavings. The palate shows fantastic acidity and plenty of juicy cherries and spice, leather and tobacco. The texture is supple with fine tannins.
Pairs nicely with tomato dishes or fresh cheese.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 23rd, 2009

I discovered this pretty Moscato several years ago and it always screams Valentine's.
Classic grape-y Muscat aromas with honey-blossoms, melon and apricot jelly. It's a delicately sweet wine, light golden in colour. Sweet and snappy on the palate with candied citrus on the mid-plate before smoothing out into a long kiss of wild honey and rose water.
At 6.5% alcohol it's a great breakfast or dessert wine choice - full of effervescent flavour!

This easy-drinking white blend from Australia's Canonbah Bridge Estate has loads of citrus peel aromas, honeycomb and minerals with guava. On the palate, the fruit pops - clean and crisp with great acidity and some tropical and citrus juice flavours.
A refreshing, affordable white for any occassion!
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 14th, 2009

A new label adorns this bottle and you'll see it at the upcoming 2009 Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival. Bright, juicy red fruit, fragrant violet, tobacco and cedar box with forest floor undertones that reign it in. Tart red fruit and potpourri and spices are echoed on the palate - lifted acidity, medium bodied, with fine tannin. Easy paired with creamy cheeses or duck and mushroom ravioli.
Wine Scores Reviewed - February 25th, 2009

This truly is a brazen or Brazin, Zinfandel...
Opulent mixed berry aromas, chocolate and vanilla, crushed dark floral and espresso. The palate is supple and spicy with sweet berries - raspberry, blackberry, black currents - mocha liqueur. The finish is smooth carrying flavours of mixed warm spices and blueberry along.
Yum!
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 24th, 2009

Worth seeking!
The Verdelho grape is finding its way into BC via Australia more often these days. Classic to Spain this varietal is crisp, clean and aromatic. The Bremerton has fresh green aromatics with bright lemon, beeswax, and minerals. On the palate it is purely spiced white grapefruit with pine elements and a rounded, soapy texture.
Lovely!
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 16th, 2007

Gorgeous typical Syrah aromas - pepper, pepper, pepper, savoury herbs and cherries with undertones of mocha. Expect a full-bodied wine with a dusty texture and flavours of spiced black berries, rich dark earth, savoury meaty suggestions and dry, firm tannins on the finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 15th, 2009

Decadent and concentrated, this wine has chocolate and cherries, sun warmed berry, floral and cedar box, fresh aromas - as well as earthy and juicy. The palate is plush, the flavours dense, with smoky, meaty and savoury tones with a spice flavours on the finish. Great acidity, firm ripe tannins and a substantial finish...
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 15th, 2009

Cassis liqueur and ripe berry/cherry aromas, cedar chips and lifted leafy aromas. Excellent concentration on the palate with spiced berries, coffee and cocoa with some earth and char hints. Firm tannins linger...
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 15th, 2009

Mixed black and red berry aromas, dark earth and hints of jalapeno. Full-bodied and smooth on the palate with fresh berries, spice and dill with a plummy nuances and cocoa on the finish. Layered and inviting with balanced acidity and integrated tannins.
63.3% Merlot, 26.7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc
Wine Scores Reviewed - February 21st, 2008

A powerful wine, at moments brooding and intense and then supple and seductive....
Chocolate covered cherries and cassis liqueur waft out of the glass followed by spice and leather, sage and sweet menthol, pencil shavings and rich dark earth. The palate has a smooth entry, it's dense and forward with ripe fruit, tobacco, mocha and spice to elevate the heat. The finish is long and the spice lingers....
Tasting pretty good right now, but if you are a cellar fiend a few years won't hurt.
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 16th, 2009

This is a wine that brings back memories from a decade ago - served by-the-glass at Vij's Restaurant in Vancouver where it was a wonderful pairing to his spicy Indian cuisine.
Juicy fruit-cup aromas - sliced peaches and pears in honey, subtle warm spices and mineral undertones. Silky and wonderfully fresh on the tongue with creamy fruit flavours and a crisp seam that runs throughout.



Wine Scores Reviewed - February 21st, 2008

Very aromatic - crushed dark floral aromas, ripe cherry, cedar box, patchouli, forest floor and cranberry undertones. Rich, bordering on potent with chocolate, espresso, wild berries and spice. Smooth with balanced acidity and obvious tannins.
A very tasty wine but with more power than you may expect from a Pinot Noir.
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 13th, 2009

All the juicy elements you crave with a price that will make you giggle with glee!
The Caldora is oozing ripe berry fruit and dark floral aromas with undertones of leather and sweet vanilla. Lush fruit on the palate with balanced acidity, a supple velvety mouth-feel and lingering spice on the finish.
And like that - snap - it's gone.
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 20th, 2008

No you are not seeing things Pecorino is a white grape varietyused in making this regional wine.
It's a delicious discovery, an aromatic wine with fruit salad and blood orange notes. Fresh on the palate with honey, citrus and almond oil flavours and a lush texture.
Do not miss trying this wine!
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 13th, 2007

When you speak of value for money the Calona Pinot Noir is always a solid wine choice--there never seems to be enough of those.
Sour red fruit--cranberry, cherry and rhubarb--woodsy, composte aromas and cocoa hints. A leaner older-world styled Pinot with juicy red fruit, tobacco and leather flavours with a soft, spiced cedar finish.

Wine Scores Reviewed - October 4th, 2007

Aromatic - vibrant citrus, honey, rosepetals and mandarin peel, apricots and sweet spices. The palate is fresh, mouth-watering, juicy grapefruit and gingery flavours make this wine a great partner to spicy dishes - curried vegetables and fish or sweet and spicy tofu.
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 17th, 2008

This rare, born in BC cross between Marechal Foch and Golden Muscat is produced solely by our own Calona Vineyards in Kelowna. It's always a great summer sipper and pairs well with spiced dishes.
Tropical aromas - musk melon, mango and pomelo citrus with wildflower honey, peaches and rose petals. The aromas are echoed on the palate with crisp acidity a soft texture and subtle musk flavours.
It's an off-dry glass of intrigue.


Wine Scores Reviewed - March 17th, 2008

Who says you cannot get a tasty Bordeaux for under $15?
The Calvet proves you can with juicy aromas of briary berries, cedarbox and smoke, vanilla and pencil shavings. On the palate you can expect a supple wine with good acidity and plenty of berry, leather, spice and cedar flavours and powdery tannins.
A great value blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 20th, 2009

From Bibbona, north of the famous SuperTuscans of Bolgheri and south of the stunning walled, hilltop city of Volterra comes this powerful red blend. It likely contains in part; Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Canbernet Sauvignon and perhaps some Petit Verdot.
The colour is intense ruby - nearly black with warm aromas - cherries in vanilla, plums and dark floral with rustic notes of saddle leather, earth, tar and sweet spices. Full-bodied and powerful with loads of acidity it arrives silky on the entry with supple fruit flavours, vanilla and spiced oak. Masculine in style with grip on the finish but the tannins are fine-grained.
Would pair well with the cinghiale (wild boar) salami loved in Tuscany and cellaring for a couple more years wouldn't hurt...
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 19th, 2008

A bubbly and an aperitif all in one!
Not a slushy-style Bellini but the more traditional style as served in Harry's Bar in Venice Italy. Bellini-in-a-bottle is made with real Canella Prosecco from Veneto, blended with local fresh white peach juice and pulp and a touch of raspberry juice for added colour. All natural - gently effervescent and peachy, peachy, peachy. Wonderful flavours and aromas, made for summer sipping.
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 3rd, 2008

A lovely aromatic Prosecco. Perfumed with Meyer lemon, rose petals and juicy orchard fruit. Fresh, crisp and clean on the palate dancing with citrus zest, minerality and green apple flavours. Medium 'frizzante' bubbles, a delicate mousse and a smooth refreshing finish.
Cin Cin!

This fresh, fruity wine is one of a trend of low-alcohol wines I am hearing about. It is made from 100% Friulano (formerly Tocai Friulano) and it does not dissapoint at 10% alcohol.
It is a simple, fresh Vin da Tavola (table wine) with pretty aromas of tree fruit, floral notes and bright sweet citrus. The palate is crisp and clean with bright fruitcup flavours and a pinch of sweetness.
Perfect as a lunch wine or as an aperitif.
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 5th, 2009

Imagine the juiciest, most crisp green apple, add some peach blossom aromas and just a pinch of minerals.
The Vespaiolo is lively, clean and fresh with a snappy white grapefruit finish.
I suggest you pick up two, one bottle to share with your favorite Valentine and one for yourself!

Aromas are of ripe almost sweet fruit and flowers. Dry and delicate in the mouth, a dance of orchard fruit, earth and the slightly bitter citrus-y finish we expect in Prosecco

Made from Prosecco and the light and fruity, red Marzimino grape, (which is classic to the region of Trentino, in Northern Italy) this spumante-style bubbly has the perfect pink colour of cherry blossoms. Laden will fruity aromas - mixed berries and exotic citrus with undertones of rose petals and marzipan. It's smooth and creamy with delicate bubbles, berry flavours and a drop of honeyed sweetness on the palate.
Wine Scores Reviewed - February 4th, 2008

Smooth stone fruit aromas, apples and citrus with mouth-watering acidity, white grapefruit and a suggestion of spiceiness on the finish.
Fresh!
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 13th, 2007

The newest addition to the Baron Philippe de Rothschild portfolio Carabas is a fun-loving name, a legend synonomous with nobility and pleasure.
A rich golden-hue with potent aromas of grilled pineapple, exotic citrus and fragrant lily. On the palate it's silky, rich with vanilla, caramel spice, oak and citrus peel flavours - balanced, bright acdity and sweet spices lingering on the finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 19th, 2008

An brick ruby-hued Pinot Noir with loads of bing cherry, creamy vanilla, spice and forest floor aromas and undertones of raspberry, smoke, oakdust, beetroot and leather. Medium-bodied and silky on the palate showing sweet, smoked cherry and tobacco flavours and a fresh spiced finish.
A fruit-forward new world style with sweet flavours on the palate.
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 17th, 2008

Currents and cherries, mixed spices and loads of jalapeno pepper on the nose followed by rich dark earth, mocha and menthol. Smooth and fresh on the entry with bright fruit, herbs and bell pepper flavours and cedar box spices. Medium-full bodied, good acidity and fine tannins with a lingering finish.
Very good value.
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 30th, 2008

Inky in colour with gobs of sweet red berries, bay leaf and mint, fine spice and cedar with a hint of jalapeno. Expect plenty of ripe berry fruit to return on the palate, again spicebox and cedar folowed by savoury roasted red peppers. It's very fresh, medium to full-bodied with bittersweet cocoa lingering on the palate.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 22nd, 2009

Ripe and opulent aromas - black currants, vanilla, chocolate dipped cherries, warm oak spices and a hint of sweet herbs. The entry is smooth with juicy dark fruit, the mid-palate is supple leading to base flavours of chocolate, vanilla...earth and although the finish is still a bit tight at the moment it lingers nicely with spice and tobacco.
A very good showing!
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 18th, 2008

Loads of vibrant cassis, chocolate and sweet spices, leather and smoke with lifted bay leaf and green bell pepper aromas. Juicy berry fruit on the palate with spice, bittersweet chocolate and savoury hints. An appealing finish of smooth tannins and flavours of spiced cherry linger...
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 27th, 2009

A double wammy of freshness - both Carmenere and Cabernet have lovely lifted 'green' aromatics to them - its typical to these varieties and is awesome when its good.
Cassis and smashed berry aromas, leafy hints and crisp green bean, earth and bittersweet chocolate. It's a savoury wine with excellent acidity - meant for food - with flavours of red berries, menthol, cocoa and cedar box. Medium-full bodied with fine tannins...
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 18th, 2009

An elegant, mineral laden Chardonnay with plenty of white fleshed fruits, toast and spiced brown butter aromas. The palate has plenty of bright melon and crisp citrus, it has a smooth texture and lingering toast and spice flavours.
Good complexity - a wine for white meats and fish or smoked cheeses and creamy sauces.
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 16th, 2009

Ripe dark cherry and red currents, smoke, earthy leather and truffle notes, cedar and spiced tobacco. The texture is slightly dusty with plummy flavours, followed by red fruits, cedar, cocoa and pepper with savoury - herbal and meaty undertones.
Deep and dark - perfect for grilled or roasted meat dishes.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 8th, 2008

Consistently good value and quality the Carmen features juicy green apple aromas, verdant cut grass and herbal notes with goseberry and citrus peel. Sweet, crisp fruit on the palate - citrus and white tree fruit flavours, soft but bright acidity and a clean fresh finish.
A nice choice for an aperitif or pair with light, fresh fish and salads.
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 9th, 2009

Zesty and grassy - perfect for die-hard Sauv Blanc drinkers!
Passion-fruit, starfruit, snap peas, grass, lemon and jalapeno aromas. Crisp and refreshing on the entry, it rounds out a bit mid-palate but finishes with mouth-watering acidity.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 23rd, 2008

Definitely aromatic - presenting crisp minerality, grass clippings and herbal tones with loads of fruit - especially peach/nectarine - and floral aromas. Great fruit flavours in the mouth - the peach/nectarine and herbal returns on the palate with mouth-watering acidity and a citrus-y, pineapple finish.
Always good value!
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 12th, 2009

A Super-Tuscan blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, the Dogajolo (dog-a-yolo) has deep aromas of red cherry and berries, earthier notes of leather, cocoa and tar with undertones of vanilla and coffee liqueur. Medium-bodied with cherry, leather and earthy flavours, mouth-watering acidity and peppery spice on the finish.
Pair with hearty meat and tomato stews or Italian cold cuts.
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 15th, 2008

A Super-Tuscan blend of Sangiovese with 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, the Dogajolo (dog-a-yolo) is a fragrant combination of cedar chips, cherries and crushed floral aromas with sweet spices and undertones of green olives and wild herbs. The entry is smooth and flavours of cherry, leather and spice box cross your palate, the finish is very dry with powdery tannins.
Pair with hearty meat and tomato stews or Italian cold cuts.
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 14th, 2009

A rich golden-hued colour with primary spiced oak, browned butter and clove aromas with hints of tropical fruits. There is citrus and some tropical fruit on the palate but the toasted oak and spice flavours prevail. It's rounded on the palate but the oak use is heavy - almost overwhelming.
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 25th, 2009

Rich aromas - smoky spices and black currents, warm spices and milk chocolate, red cherries and leather with savoury herbal undertones. The palate is supple and laden with dark, rich earthy flavours of mocha, dark berries and tobacco with fine lingering spice.
Good value!
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 9th, 2009

This wine is a sign of the times for Argentina - great value and robustly flavoured wines...
Lush, spiced meat and ripe blackberry aromas, espresso and rich milk chocolate, iodine and crushed purple floral notes. The palate is creamy - laden with blackberries, chocolate, mixed spices and loads of pepper. The tannins are fine - slightly dusty - and flavours of spice and cocoa linger. Pairing - dense meaty dishes or hearty mid-week meals.
Wine Scores Reviewed - February 3rd, 2009

Loads of sweet, smoky blackberry aromas, chocolate and black currents, sweet spice and pepper, ink and dark floral notes. The palate is generous and juicy with abundant berry fruit, cedar and leather. It's smooth with fine tannins and spice lingering on the finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 22nd, 2009

Beautiful sun-warmed berry aromas - raspberry and blackberry with hints of cherry cola, warm spice and vanilla. Medium-full bodied with fresh berries on the palate - smooth and peppery with tobacco and oak spice flavours and an elegant, lingering finish.
Delicious!
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 29th, 2008

This old-vines blend of Cabernet and Carmenere is one for the hard cheese and meat dishes.
Plummy and smoky spiced, balsamico and grilled peppers with leather and smoke and spice with dusty grippy tannins on the finish. Good acidity and spiced cherriy flavours linger...
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 2nd, 2009

Opaque ruby-blue with intense aromas - sweet blackberry, blueberry and currants, loads of fresh mint, dark flowers and the meaty, earthy and peppery Shiraz shows through. Similar jammy fruit seduces the palate, warm spices and chocolate, coffee, savoury flavours and vanillin oak. Supple, creamy and powerful with good acidity and integrated tannins.
Excellent!
A blend of; Cabernet, Carmenere, Shiraz and Petit Verdot.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 21st, 2008

Bright aromas - nettles and gooseberry, guava and citrus blossoms with lemon peel. The palate falls a bit short of the nose but it does have snappy acidity with flavours of grass clippings, fresh herbs and loads of citrus peel on the finish - clean, easy-drinking and well priced.
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 27th, 2009

Exuberant and juicy.
Crisp apple, tropical citrus notes, white floral, minerals and cut grass with a suggestion of spiciness. Clean and fresh with an exceptional price tag.
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 5th, 2007

Ruby red in colour with sweet raspberry and blueberry aromas, loads of pretty violet notes with vanilla, cedar and soft chocolate hints. On the palate the Casas del Bosque Pinot is fresh and smooth, medium bodied with creamy dark berries, earth and smoked spice flavours showing bright acidity, light tannins with lingering spice and tobacco on the finish.
Lovely!
Delicious paired with smoked gouda.
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 10th, 2007

The Mamma Mia Pinot Grigio is very different from the Cassini Cellars Pinot Gris which has a good dose of oak. This fragrant white shows plentiful pear and melon aromas, lemon grass and citrus peel. The palate is surprisingly off-dry with a slick texture and flavours of fruit cup, marzipan and mixed sweet herbs and has a slightly zesty finish.
A good pairing with spicy Thai dishes.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 8th, 2009

This is a well-made Meritage blend from BC's new Cassini Cellars in Osoyoos.
It's a savoury 59/37/4 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec featuring loads of dark berry and black cherry aromas, leather, vanilla and garrigue notes. The palate is supple with good structure, fine tannins and plenty of acidity and it presents flavours of forest berries and spice.
This is a wine to pair with game meats or grilled veg.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 8th, 2009

Expect vibrant aromas in this chic BC Chardy!
Loads of crisp citrus and minerals with a sprinkling of fine spice. Flavours of bright tropical fruits, sweet warm spice and a hint of oak lounge on a creamy texture. Snappy acidity balances the palate and makes the flavours pop, the finish is warm, spicy and lingering.
Well done!
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 6th, 2009

This new South Okanagan winery is off to a fantastic start.
Their Gewurztraminer is seductive, very Alsatian in style, lavishly perfumed with rose water, Turkish delight, honeysuckle, lychee fruit, cold cream and sweet spices with mineral undertones. Unquestionably elegant, the texture is supple and it's layered with flavours of tropical fruit, orange peel, clove, star anise and cinnamon. An impressive aromatic with restrained power and a bright finish to pair with your caramelized onion and smoked gruyere tart.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 8th, 2009

This more elegant version of a BC Merlot has plenty of red fruit aromas with hints of floral, wild herbs and cocoa. Expect a lovely supple palate texture and flavours that echo the aromas. Integrated tannins, fresh, high-toned fruit and herbs with hints of cedar on the finish.
Cassini suggests red pastas, beef, pork and cheese to pair with this wine.
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 11th, 2009

This is a toasty Pinot Gris, much different from the Cassini Cellars fruitier Mamma Mia Pinot Grigio.
Aromas of peach and pear, vanilla and citrus rolled up with plenty of praline and toasted oak notes. Oak dominates the palate along with with spice, almond oil and savoury undertones of mushroom. It's rounded and smooth, the finish is crisp with citrus zest and spice flavours lingering.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 22nd, 2009

The aromas in the Cassini Reserve Pinot Noir are quite sweet - ripe raspberry, cedar, lush chocolate with savoury, meaty undertones. The palate is smooth, bright and juicy with plenty of pepper and cocoa. A good showing but expect some astringency and a hint of biiterness on the finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 4th, 2009

I'm impressed by the style and quality of this new (Osoyoos based) South Okanagan winery. The Viognier is no exception. This is not an overblown or blousy Viognier, rather it shows exotic citrus, stone fruit and mineral aromas with spiced honey and just a hint of herbs. The texture is oily, it is a lush wine with impressive complexity and a rather crisp, refreshing finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 8th, 2009

Dark garnet coloured with dried cherry and blueberries on the nose followed by cedar-wood, leather, earth and warm spices. Full-bodied and smooth on the palate with flavours that mimic its aromas adding hints of cassis, cocoa and iodine with bright acidity and fine tannins on the finish.
A very tasty blend of: Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Garnacha.
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 10th, 2008

It's has an intense inky-purple hue with rich dark berry aromas and primary earthy notes of leather, smoked game and toast. It's medium-full bodied with apparent acidity and on the palate it shows peppery dark fruit and roasted coffee with spice on the finish.
An unbelievable bargain suited to grilled meat and lamb dishes.
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 8th, 2007

Lots of plush fruit on the nose - aromas of cherries and plums, earth, leather and chocolate with hints of iodine and toasted oak. The palate is supple - it has juicy fruit and loads of pepper, bittersweet chocolate and roasted coffee linger on the finish.
Easy drinking and very good value for your buddies who like to barbecue...
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 12th, 2009

It'll seduce you wilth its aromas - gobs of blueberry and raspberries smashed into chocolate, warm spice and blackberry undertones, vanilla and oak hints. Supple and sweetly ripe with spiced vanilla and mocha with just a hint of bacon fat on the tail. Lifting acidity and supple tannins...You'll wonder if you should drink it or slather it on...
Wine Scores Reviewed - February 25th, 2009

Another fantastic vintage for this fruit forward Barossa blend. Made from Shiraz with 30% Cabernet Sauvignon it smells of blackberry jam and sun-warmed blueberries, sweet vanilla and mint chocolate patties with espresso and cigarbox. The palate is opulent, oozing juicy purple berries, bittersweet chocolate and leather with fine, peppery spices. Ripe tannins on the finish with flavours of roasted coffee beans lingering.
Delicious, and $5 less than last vintage!
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 22nd, 2009

Dense ruby/purple in colour with gobs of ripe mulberry aromas, mint and savoury herbs, chocolate and spiced mocha. Plush - supple and laden with blueberry and mulberry flavours, spices and cocoa. Great structure and acidity, polished tannins with lingering espresso and spice on the finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 5th, 2008

Creamy blueberries and Ribena, grape-y ripe aromas, sweet cocoa and spices, smoking cedar embers and mint. Rich and supple on the palate flavoured with mocha coffee, purple berries and spiced liqueur. Lush and polished - a wine that'll curl your toes...
70% Shiraz,30% Grenache
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 4th, 2008

This Shiraz and Grenache blend is an explosion of ripe blackberry and warm raspberry aromas, eucalytus and crushed purple flowers, vanilla and coconut. The palate is oozing sweet berry fruit, again with vanilla and baking spices. It is supple on the palate with soft tannins. Very easy drinking and sporting a new lower price tag.
This wine may come off as a simple fruit bomb but there's a bit more going on than that...
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 20th, 2009

The savoury 2007 vintage of the C.A.T.P Cabernet is quite different from the 2006 vintage fruit bomb.
The aromas are dense - dried fruits, black currents and dark earth with savoury, roasted bell pepper aromas spiked with herbs and just a hint of rubber. The palate features spiced bittersweet chocolate and cassis and has fine, mouth-coating tannins.
Would be a good pairing with grilled lamb.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 9th, 2009

Delish!
A fruit bomb with gobs of juicy black currents, cassis, lifted spearmint and fine spice aromas. The palate is brimming with bright berry fruit, the spearmint and spice return on the palate - it's ripe and supple with great acidity and integrated tannins.
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 2nd, 2009

Smoky dark fruits - black current and blueberry hints with cherry. Meaty/savoury undertones with chocolate, earth and herbal notes. Medium to full-bodied on the palate showing good depth, a smooth texture and great, ripe berry fruit flavours spiked with warm spices that linger with surprising intensity.
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 31st, 2008

Rich aromas--intense liqueur-like blackcurrant, smoke, minerals and dark earth. Smooth, supple and spiced on the palate with juicy berry fruit flavours, coffee and oak with a luscious finish.
It's liquid velvet, surpassed only by the unctuous Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino 2004 that will arrive in BC in March 2008. Its dense blackberry fruit, sweet spice, violets, vanilla, cassis and fleur de sel is velvet supreme.
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 18th, 2007

You can't possibly mention Argentina without speaking of Bodegas Catena Zapata and the ground-breaking science, research and international acclaim this winery has achieved.
The Chardonnay is stunningly juicy and fresh, the fruit literally jumps out of the glass!
Ripe pear, pineapple and minerals with rounded layers of butterscotch, warm spices and nutty-praline. The tropical flavours explode on your palate dragging you back to the glass again and again...
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 18th, 2007

A striking bottle from a quality producer, the La Posta has ripe berry aromas, smoke, a hint of meat and warm spices with toasted oak notes. Creamy smooth and full-bodied on the palate with fresh berry flavours, a rich earthiness and youthful tannins.
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 3rd, 2008

This wine is Christmas cake in-a-glass!
Dense and seductive aromas...black current, prune, fruitcake, and chocolate covered hazelnuts. Its medium-full on the palate with concentrated berry, warm spices, coffee and chocolate flavours. It enters supple and assured, gathers power, shows fine grained tannins and lingers noticeably...
100% Syrah
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 6th, 2007

Gorgeous, juicy aromas...black currants, raspberries, dried cherries, dark floral notes, leather, coffee and smoked cedar. Lush with more fresh berries on the palate - vanilla soaked cherries, sweet Allspice, smooth chocolate, white pepper and supple integrated tannins.
100% Syrah
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 10th, 2007

Lush aromas... chocolate covered cherries, sweet spices and peppery notes with rich, dark earth. A fresh yet mysterious dance on the palate with berries and fruitcake flavours, pepper and smooth roasted coffee on the finish with integrated tannins.
Cheers!
100% Syrah
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 16th, 2007

Seductive, muscular aromas...black current liqueur, earth and sweet spices, saddle leather, cocoa and pepper notes with a hint of bacon. Fresh on the entry with blackberry, prunes and warm oak spice. Medium-full bodied, elegant with lifted flavours, lingering and smooth with supple tannins.
Good value for the juice!
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 5th, 2007

The back of the Natio bottle says "Made with organically grown grapes in the mutual interest of Plantlife, the Environment and Mankind".
This statement is appealing to consumers recent interest in organic wines. Organic isn't a new concept (although many think they invented it) but a return to earlier farming days. Many winemakers never stopped making organic wine and never felt the need to advertise that fact. For some consumers the jury is still out on organic wines-are they really tasty?
The Natio is. It's a lovely ruby-hue with mint-cherry, sweet beet aromas and raspberry notes. In the mouth it's fresh and juicy with bright berry fruit flavours, leather, tobacco and spice--a bit choppy on the palate but a truly refreshing, lighter-bodied red with only 12.5% alcohol!
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 1st, 2007

Enticing aromas of warm fruit cherry/currant/raspberry, tar, vanilla, dark flowers and white pepper. On the palate--smooth and earthy with juicy red fruit, leather and spice with a nice acidity. Slightly chewy and peppery mid-palate, followed by a cocoa finish. And with an appealing 13% alcohol you won't wake up with a wine hangover.
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 3rd, 2007

Made to be served with foods such as; cheese, salami or red pastas, this simple, light-bodied red has aromas of red plums and cherries, saddle leather and cocoa with fine spice and wild herbs. It is rustic, with a chalky texture, it's lifted by bright acidity and juicy red fruit, spice box and tobacco flavours linger.
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 9th, 2009

A wonderfully fragrant young Pinot Noir with aromas of sun-warmed raspberries, cedar chips, crushed violets, hints of blueberry, leather, mixed spice and obvious peppery notes. The palate is bright, expect a sweet entry tasting of summer berries, fine spice, vanilla and mocha. It presents a silky texture, loads of acidity and fine tannins. Will pair well with the typical options of salmon or duck or drink it with cheesey mushroom polenta.
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 8th, 2009

Brawny aromas of bramble, creamy black cherry and blueberry hints with smoked meat nuances. Luscious on the palate with rich chocolate, charred cocoa bean, leather and a long spiced finish.
Very good!
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 29th, 2007

Fresh, crisp aromas, citrus and minerals with a core of honey, creamy pear and apple. The palate is very bright, flavours of peach skin and melon with plenty of minerality. The acidity is bold but you can expect a creamy edge to it followed by a nice citrus-y finish.
Good value. Pair with seafood salads.
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 25th, 2009

Aromas of smoky minerality, creamy pear, white grapefruit and some quince marmalade notes. It has very nice structure - layers of fruit, a supple body and snappy acidity. Expect more pear and mineral flavours on the palate with lively citrus on the finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 20th, 2009

Lush and buttery with ripe pineapple drizzled in vanilla and roasted pear notes. A creamy body, well balanced and weighty...smoothly spiced, finishing with clove and vanilla flavours.
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 29th, 2007

Butterscotch, pears and toasted scones slathered with vanilla-infused butter. A rich mouth-feel with roasted nut flavours, herbs and warm spices with a background of toasty oak.
Elegant and addictive!
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 16th, 2007

A classic Bordeaux-styled blend of Cabernet, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec.
This 2005 Meritage was released briefly at the winery during the Fall Wine Festival but will have a general released in November 07.
Up-front plummy, berry and sweet cherry aromas with vanilla and leathery notes. Smooth and creamy on the palate with rich chocolate, ripe dark fruit, nicely balanced acidity, chewy tannins and a long spiced finish.
Delicious!
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 29th, 2007

Juicy berry and black cherry, vanilla, leather and violets on the nose. Big on the palate with lush cherry, cedar and tobacco. Earthy and quite dense but showing fresh fruit in the mouth.
Still youthful with tight tannins. Buy the 6pack if possible, cellar and taste one each year.
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 29th, 2007

To celebrate their 20th anniversary Cedar Creek will be releasing this stunning single block Pinot Noir in October 2007 perhaps.
I first tasted it on April 26 and it was lush with black cherry and berry compote, fresh turned earth, tobacco and leathery hints with a velvety mouth-texture and cocoa and cedar on the finish.
Only 220 cases.
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 26th, 2007

Warm earthy aromas abound in this Spanish blend of: Monastrell, Tempranillo, Syrah and Mando. Sweet spice, raspberry, black cherry and blackberry aromas. It's smooth on the entry and grows more assertive mid-palate showing cherry/berry flavours, dusty cocoa and oak flavours - a slightly tart finish with lingering spiced tobacco.

Wine Scores Reviewed - March 7th, 2008

A wine to make you fall in love with Spain...
Sweet black cherries, leather, crushed flower petals, iodine and vanilla with great supporting mineral tones. The flavours are of mixed berries and black cherry, earth and spiced chocolate it's lifted with bright acidity and the finish is substantial with firm, lingering tannins.
A blend of Garnacha, Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah.
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 14th, 2009

100% Nero d'Avola, the indigenous Sicilian grape gives this wine its inky purple colour and mixed blackberry and black current aromas. Direct and dark with saddle leather, iodine and sweet spice tones followed with flavours of juicy fruit, cedar, black cherry and a hint of cocoa powder on the finish. Very nice structure with integrated tannins.
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 30th, 2008

sha-ma-ray
A pretty wine with a serious side. Red cherry and raspberry aromas, dark floral and woodsy notes with cocoa and herbs. Smooth and fresh on the palate with sweet berry fruit flavours leather and warm spice with a silky finish.
And at this price, why not stock up?
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 15th, 2007

Juicy!
Tempting aromas of pineapple, honeydew melon and vanilla with grass, sweet herbal, mineral and lemon peel notes. The Chamarre flavours will appeal equally to new and seasoned wine drinkers with its fresh and juicy entry, rounded mid-palate showing smooth, nutty-caramel and peach flavours followed by citrus and gentle lingering spice on the finish.
Chardonnay 63%, Sauvignon Blanc 37%
Great value!
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 21st, 2007

Talk about sipping value.
This bubbly made from Semillon, Muscadelle and Ugni Blanc has fresh fruity aromas - apples and pears with a hint of honey,white blossoms and talc. It has a lively mousse with loads of juicy apple, pear, melon and citrus zest flavours. Easy drinking and affordable - this is the bubbly that's perfect for your sparkling cocktails too.
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 24th, 2008

If you have yet to step up to the Champagne shelf and grab a bottle of
de Venoge
I think it's time you did.
It features brilliant gold-yellow glints with crisp apple, stone fruit, toast with honey and citrus blossom aromas. Creamy and fresh on the palate with mouth-filling mousse and zippy citrus flavours.
Simply lovely!
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier.
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 9th, 2007

Creamy, peachy aromas, sweet crisp apple, minerality and exotic orange notes. The Vin du Paradis label stands out with its colourful art label (a replica of the original 1864 one) and will stand out on your palate with its crisp, off-dry style, slightly nutty character, creamy mousse and asian pear flavours.
Primarily Pinot Noir, try it paired with creamy cheeses or gently spiced hors d'oeuvres.
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 9th, 2007

NEW - classy with great packaging!
A very, compelling, pretty, pale pink rose with continuous streams of bubbles. Creamy, yeasty, summer berries and apples, spring flowers and some peach skin aromas with honey and mandarin peel. Super fresh, smooth and vibrant with creamy berries, ginger and peachy flavours.
Elegant.
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 12th, 2008

This newly arrived Champagne has aromas of baked apple, pear and leesy/roasted hazelnut aromas with citrus zest and mineral undertones. Snaps, crackles and pops in your mouth - moussy with flavours of creamy baked pear/apple with loads of citrus. Mouth-watering acidity and a long finish that will pair very well with brie and pear compote phyllo parcels.
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 12th, 2008

A gorgeous burnished yellow hue with persistent beads of tiny bubbles and aromas of lemon drops, apples and leesy, bead dough undertones with hints of fleur de sel....Creamy on the palate with more leesy flavours, toasted nutty praline and orchard fruit flavours - a delicious balance of fresh and bright vs.creamy and toasty...
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 4th, 2009

Sweet raspberry and pomegranate, licorice and mild spices with undertones of cherry. Medium-bodied with fresh acidity on the palate featuring spiced red fruits and cedar. Delicate in the mouth, soft, with fine tannins that linger.
Pair with fish or creamy cheeses.
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 4th, 2008

A fun Riesling that kicks butt!
Lovely straw colour with gold glints and super-fresh aromas of apples, peaches, honey, lime zest and a clean minerality. Lemony on the palate with apricot/peachy flavours, its soft yet zesty, slightly off-dry but with great acidity to balance.
A chopstick-friendly Riesling!
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 16th, 2008

This is a wine that you not only want to sniff all day but it seems you could never tire of its rustic elegance...
Made from Syrah, blended with Mourvedre (25%), Carignan (25%) and Grenache (20%) it smells of cherries, raspberries and perhaps a hint of wild blueberry. There are also aromas of saddle leather, garrige and crushed floral and a hint of hazelnut. It enters the palate with juicy red fruit - flavours of mocha, cedar and fine spices and leather follow. Dusty, fine grained tannins throughout.
Excellent value - without doubt.
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 20th, 2009

Warmth eminates from the glass...plums, blackcurrent and cherry aromas with spice, leather and sweet vanilla. On the palate the Cabriac is medium-bodied with chewy fruit, peppery spice, tobacco and meaty hints with noticeable tannin on the finish.
30% Syrah, 25% Mourvedre, 25% Carignan and 20% Grenache.
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 1st, 2007

Lovely!
Imagine yourself, in the South of France sitting outside at a bistro, the smell of fragrant herbs all around while you are sipping this pretty pink wine - sigh.
Strawberries, spice and rosepetals with a hint of candy floss. Its juicy, refreshing and brimming with bright red fruits and crisp citrus - perfect summer sipping!
Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet and Mourvedre
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 20th, 2008

Typical aromas for a crisp, food-friendly rose from the south of France - strawberries and garrigue with earthy tones, leather and tobacco. The palate is dry with tart red berry fruit flavours, spice and citrus peel, it's crisp, refreshing and light-bodied with nice legnth. A refreshing patio wine or pair with a summer, seafood salad or hot frites with garlicky-lemon aioli.
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 20th, 2008

This wine has a lovely purple intensity with rich dark berries and plum compote aromas, chocolate and mineral notes. It is dense on the palate, soft and supple on the tongue with juicy red fruit, blueberry, vanilla and pepper on the finish. Fresh and drinking nicely despite its youthfulness but will make a nice cellar addition if you can keep your hands off it.
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 29th, 2007

The Chateau de Sancerre Sauvignon Blancs are made for food!
Stone fruit, honey and floral aromas with warm leesy, toasty, citrus and mineral notes.On the palate it's crisp and minerally with nutty/smoked flavours that pair extremely well with shellfish or soft cheeses.
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 11th, 2007

Bright ruby-purple, the Minervois is a blend of Grenache, Mourvedre and Carignan. A firm wine with plenty of berry, black cherry and licorice aromas and savoury notes of smoke, garrigue and leather. The cherry/berry reappear on the palate, the entry is supple, mid-palate brings mouth-filling tannins and flavours of spice, bittersweet cocoa and roasted coffee beans. Pair with grilled meats or hearty protein dishes.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 17th, 2009

The Chateau de Serame has a very appealing price point and delivers in spades. Rich aromas - honeycomb, quince, peach compote, tangerines and lime zest. On the palate it rolls around with a slightly oily texture, shows its earthy and mineral side but captivates with oozing marmalade and exotic spices, hints of banana and a long, warm zesty finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 12th, 2007

This fragrant wine is a blend of 50/50 Syrah and Grenache.
Pretty aromas of crushed dark flowers, blueberries, raspberry and cracked black pepper. Fresh and medium-bodied on the palate with sweet spices, fennel seeds and rosemary - savoury yet feminine, fresh and elegant with polished tannins.
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 3rd, 2008

This a great find old-world red, perfect for Monday to Friday dinners at home.
A succulent and savoury blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre it shows ripe cherry, prune, dried flowers, cocoa, almonds and leathery aromas. On the palate its medium bodied with loads of earthy flavours, dried fruit, spice and dusty tannins on the finish.
As reviewd in Infamous Magazine January 2008
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 14th, 2008

From the well-established negociant Compagnie Medocaine des Grands Crus comes this wonderfully priced red Bordeaux from the exceptional (and tres cher) 2005 vintage.
Great intensity with aromas of black currants and smoked plums, leather, pencil shavings, minerals and roasted coffee beans. Youthful on the palate showing dense berries, earth and cedary flavours, balanced acidity, drying tannins and a chewy finish with oak-spice and coffee hints.
Decant now or cellar for several more years.
70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot.
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 27th, 2008

Soft dark fruit with a creamy chocolaty note, sweet spices and a hint of banana and floral aromas. On the palate it is refined and fresh with warm spices, a smooth texture and quite astringent finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 18th, 2007

Rich and masculine with earth, black and red currant fruit aromas and notes of spice. Dark fruit flavours on the palate with elegant cocoa, leather and coffee flavours and obvious tannins.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 18th, 2007

An extremely affordable Bordeaux with sweet red cherry, cassis, cocoa, leather and woodsy notes. Its aromas are reflected on the palate and the tannins firm and dusty.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 18th, 2007

Dark plums, earth, cocoa, smoked black cherries, savoury herbs and spice aromas. Smooth on the palate with berry fruit, leather, more cocoa and pepper. The finish lingers with spice and rich fruit liqueur flavours.
Syrah, Grenache, Carignan
Serve with crumbly aged cheeses.
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 24th, 2007

This delicious Sonoma Chardy features fantastic caramel apple and pear compote aromas, hazelnut praline and warm spices, mineral and citrus peel. The palate is lush and complex presenting rich lemon cream, butterscotch and sweet spice with a long toasty, citrus flavoured finish. Expect plenty of bright acidity and very well-integrated oak.
A good partner for butternut squash and corn soup.
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 8th, 2009

Fantastic aromas of juicy plum and sweet black cherry with baking spices, chocolate and vanilla undertones. Full-bodied and supple with plenty of ripe dark fruit, mocha, fine spice and smooth tannins. Very nice balance and structure.
Good pairing with rich fall stews and meats or a nice slab of Camembert cheese...
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 25th, 2009

This delicious Chateau St. Jean Pinot has plenty of rhubarb and herbal aromas, cigarbox and spice with cherry and peppery notes. The palate is velvety, expect pristine, juicy fruit flavours, fine toasted spice and cedar chips with powdery, mocha tannins on the finish.
Great pairing option with cheese and charcuterie.
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 8th, 2009

Lush berry and cherry aromas, dark floral and earth with sweet cola spice notes. Rich flavours and berry on the mid-palate and very tight on the finish. Cellar and be patient then crack it open and serve with some stunning Epoisses!
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 18th, 2007

Seductive plum and briary berry aromas, spiced cocoa, savoury herbs, garrigue and rich dark earth. On the palate this traditional blend of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre and Carignan shows black fruits, dark chocolate, coffee, smoked meaty hints and warm spices. Medium to full-bodied with pleasing acidity and fine tannins on the finish.
(garrigue - often smelled or tasted in wines from the South of France representing the terroir and shrub-like plantlife in the region)
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 24th, 2008

While Argentina continues to reel in wine lovers with its value Malbecs, I have become a fan of their Cabernet...
The Circus provides a seductive version of it with juicy cassis and blueberry aromas, sweet aromatic spices and cedar. The palate is medium-full-bodied and very fresh with the same decadent berries and sweet cedar box spice blend on the tongue. Providing support are earthy, smoked flavours and finally pepper spice on the finish...
Very tasty!
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 10th, 2009

From Escorihuela, who also produces Argentina's Don Miguel Gascon wines.
The Circus Cabernet has appealing savoury and fruity aromas of cherries, cassis, vanilla and sweet spice aromas with smoke and grilled meat lifted by fresh herbal notes. It has youthful freshness and a smooth texture with red fruit, spicy herbal flavours, a hint of roasted pepper and tobacco. Nice structure and a rounded palate leads to smooth tannins and spiced oak flavours on the finish.
A solid weekday dinner wine option.
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 10th, 2009

A very savoury wine for those winter stews and roasted dishes.
Aromas of dark fruit, smoke and bell pepper with a potpourri of cedar chips and dried flowers, sausage-y undertones and plenty of pepper. The palate is full-bodied but nice and bright, fresh blackberries, spice and cigarbox with espresso flavours. It's smooth on the palate, balanced acidity and fine tannins linger on the finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 29th, 2009

This Sauvignon Blanc intrigues me - not so much the super racy version we know from New Zealand but more old-world, Loire perhaps?
The aromas are honeycomb and rich minerals, some white fruits and citrus at first, then tropical fruits appear - melon and pineapple. The palate is weighty, almost oily with soft acidity - beeswax and fresh mineral flavours reappear on the palate with just a suggestion of typical Sauvignon herbaceousness.
Elegant
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 22nd, 2009

The weekday value wine that will take you from Chef Boyardee to gourmet pizza. One litre at under ten bucks that smells of cherries and ripe berries, leather and spice is a deal. The fact that it has enough rustic character to make you feel like you are sipping vino de casa out of a carafe in Abruzzo and impresses you with its simple, mocha, cherry and earthy, leathery flavours is a bonus. Easy drinking with rough tannins but juicy flavours...
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 23rd, 2009

An excellent value.
This one litre bottle for under $10 will pair extremely well with antipasti, fish, summer salads or cheese.
Expect aromas of honey, white flowers and loads of sweet lemon with hints of almond oil and minerals. On the palate, the entry is fresh and then it rounds out with a weighted, oily texture and flavours of white fruit, vanilla, hints of caramel and spice. Crisp, with a suggestion bitter almond and citrus peel on the finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 20th, 2009

For somthing a little different from the usual Shiraz from the Southern Hemisphere the CJ Pask has aromas of sweet cherry, loads of cracked pepper, vanilla and red berries with cocoa notes. Medium-full bodied on the palate with prevalent pepper, cherry and spice with bittersweet cocoa and cedary flavours. It shows a slightly dusty mid-palate texture and soft drying tannins on the finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 9th, 2008

The Roy's Hill Merlot is a dark ruby red with aromas of charred cherries and grilled plums, earth, oak and spice with hints of herbs. The flavours are tart fruit, toasted oak, leather and spice. It's medium-bodied with loads of acidity and young tannins, on the finish it's fresh but tight.
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 18th, 2008

The aromas in the glass come to you - there is no denying the assertive grassy, herbal and crisp citrus-y bouquet or the elderberry, gooseberry, honey and juicy green apple notes...
On the palate it has smooth acidity with a gently rounded palate and flavours of passion fruit, citrus, cut grass and snap peas. The texture is quite lush - almost oily, the finish is fresh.
Classic pairing - seafood or creamy, bright cheeses.
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 19th, 2008

From the house of the famous Chateau Haut-Brion in Bordeaux comes this extremely drinkable Merlot (67%), Cabernet Franc (29%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (4%) blend.
Sweet cassis, vanilla, dark earth and cocoa aromas with anise spice and mineral notes. It's silky on the palate with dark berries, coffee beans, bittersweet chocolate and spice on the finish. A seamless wine, smooth and finessed with a wonderfully soft linger.
An impressive little brother Bordeaux that will be a welcome gift.
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 12th, 2007

From the famous Bordeaux house of Chateau Haut-Brion comes this classic white blend of Sauvignon Blanc (60%) and Semillon (40%). Fresh grass, honeycomb, minerals and lemon cream aromas. On the palate - white grapefruit and lemon zest with a softly rounded texture and crisp, continuous finish.
Pair with fish dishes and creamy sauces.
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 12th, 2007

A potent Viognier oozing peach jam, warm spice, exotic floral notes, lime peel and mango. The palate is plush and rounded, the flavours are tropical and ripe with spiced peaches and refreshing lime oil flavours and there is just a whisper of tannin on the finish. The aromas suggest this wine will be over-the-top but it reins itself in from being too overripe and unctuous.
Pair with pan-fried crab cakes topped with mango & chipotle salsa.
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 14th, 2009

Loads of seductive stone fruit--peaches and nectarines, star anise and honeysuckle aromas. Rich and voluptuous on the palate with juicy apricots, ginger, mandarin peel and exotic spice. A fresh and lingering finish.
A lush viognier lovers utopia!
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 16th, 2007

This Contra Costa Ancient Vines Zinfandel comes from vines 80-100 yars old. It has dense aromas - dried cherries, sweet tobacco and spices, dried fruits and prune plums with a dash of white pepper. It's full-bodied with a supple texture and complex flavours. There is loads of spiced berry and mocha flavours and silky tannins on the finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 13th, 2009

Blended by the talent of well-traveled international celebrity vintner Michel Rolland, the Clos de Los Siete combines one half Malbec with Merlot, Cabernet and Syrah.
The nose is fresh mountain stream minerality, black currents and cherry aromas, sweet spices, smoke, espresso with hints of iodine. The palate is concentrated and smooth with plenty of spice, juicy dark fruit, tobacco and coffee. Powdery tannins cling to the palate and it has lovely, lifting acidity.
Elegant!
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 29th, 2009

Robust red berry and plum-y aromas with chocolate, tobacco hints, mint and greenery and a dry, earthy palate with dark fruit and tight, youthful tannins.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 18th, 2007

An exceptional and elegant offering from one of BC's newest wineries. A Meritage blend (60/22/18) of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc it presents bright red fruit and leather, crushed flowers and herbs with cedarbox notes. It is very stylish on the palate, medium to full-bodied with a fine grained texture and plenty of juicy fruit. The production on the 2007 vintage is limited to 450 cases, so grab a couple when you see it!
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 8th, 2009

One of British Columbia's newest offerings, Clos Du Soleil, is an impressive effort between ex-Canadian Navy officer Spencer Massie, Lawrence and Sharon Herder (Similkameen Valley's Herder Winery) and with next vintage the consulting expertise of winemaker Ann Sperling of Malivoire in Niagara. The "white" is a Sauvignon Blanc with aromas of Meyer lemon and creamy meringue, melon with a sprinkle of spice, caramel and marzipan. It's elegant and fresh on the palate with ample citrus peel and hints of toast with spice lingering on the finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 8th, 2009

The Clasico, like most Cava, is made in the time-consuming traditional method of Champagne but with a price tag that will have you drinking bubbles for breakfast!
Crisp orchard fruits, hints of Asian pear, white floral, citrus and toasted notes. It has an enthusiastic mousse on the palate with juicy, uplifting citrus-y flavours and light toast on the finish.

Sweet orchard fruit aromas, yeasty/leesy and mineral notes rounded out with toast. Clean and fresh palate with honey roasted nuts and peach flavours on the palate.
Creamy and quaffable!
Wine Scores Reviewed - February 21st, 2008

Buttery toasted croissants, tropical fruit - starfruit, melon and stonefruits with exotic citric aromas followed by leesy and mineral notes. Moussy and quite fresh on the palate with caramel roasted nuts, sweet fruit and a zesty finish.
Creamy and quaffable!
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 17th, 2008

Creamy rich aromas, cherry, dark floral, iodine and loads of sweet spices on the nose. Creamy on the palate, a lovely smooth weight bright, jammy raspberry and blueberry flavours, more sweet spices appear on the palate - supple finish.
Gorgeous.
100% Tempranillo
Wine Scores Reviewed - February 21st, 2008

A celebratory Cava made from 100% Pinot Noir!
The colour is pale berry with a hint of salmon and the nose features fresh red berries, earthier leather and spiced aromas with tobacco and toasted notes. Clean and smooth on the entry with a creamy mousse and softly rounded texture spiked with juicy cranberry and citrus zest on the finish.

This newly released vintage of the Col de Salici is pale straw in colour with gorgeous aromas of creamy peaches, white flowers and candied citrus peel with a hint of mint and nutty/toasty notes. Super fresh on the palate - crisp on the entry, a creamy mousse mid-palate with flavours of honey, mineral, citrus and toast on the finish. It's off-dry with a lovely fruity linger.
Worth seeking!
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 11th, 2007

From one of the oldest working wineries in Argentina comes this amazing blend of Malbec, Cabernet, Syrah, Tannat and Bonarda. It has aromas of cherries and red berries, Asian spices and smoke a bit of char and sausage on the savoury side...Smooth with peppery fruit on th palate, quite powerful and dense with good balance and a spicy smooth finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 17th, 2009

Red fruit, earth and coffee with plummy aromas, spice, vanilla and toasted oak notes. On the palate the fruit is fresh, the chocolate dark and rich, it's medium-bodied, smooth and very easy sipping with supple tannins on the finish.
Great new price too...
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 20th, 2008

Super easy-drinking with aromas of vanilla caramels, it's spiked with cloves and creamy pear fruit with hints of melon. Sweet and creamy with juicy fruit on the palate balanced by spice and vanilla flavours.
Great new price too!
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 20th, 2008

Plums and coffee aromas with raspberry hints and sweet spice notes. Ripe fruit on the palate - plum and cherry, coffee beans vanilla, coconut and allspice give an appealing 'cola' flavour. It's supple on the palate, the tannins smooth - easy to drink - a real crowd pleaser.
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 1st, 2008

Black cherry, smoke, tobacco, leather and herbasceous hints. Smooth and earthy on the palate, seriously meaty with deep fruit flavours and smoke on the finish.
A wine for dense protein dishes.

Wine Scores Reviewed - September 20th, 2007

The "Winemaker's Lot " wines have attractive tag labels that look like they were delivered to your door directly from the winery's cellar.
The Carmenere is deeply ruby-garnet hued and displays seductive raspberry, blueberry and warm vanilla notes. On the palate it's rich and chocolaty with lush berries and tobacco, shows nice acidity and has a velvety finish with a hint of tannin.
You will not be dissapointed.
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 26th, 2007

From the "Devil's Cellar", this excellent value Chardonnay continues to impress.
A kiss of caramel with aromas of pineapple, Asian pear and melon and a hint of sweet spices and vanilla. On the palate it presents sweet, ripe fruit and caramel, plenty of bright citrus and lingering spice. The deft use of oak will even make even non-Chardy drinkers see the light.
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 15th, 2009

A blend of 70% Merlot from the Casablanca Valley and equal parts of Carmenere from the Rapel Valley and Cabernet from the Maipo Valley the Trio is a very masculine wine made for dense protein dishes.
Aromas of grilled herbs and roasted red peppers, red fruit and parched earth with charred smoky undertones. The palate is supple, it grabs hold, it's very chewy and savoury with mixed wild berries and pomegranate flavours, pepper and earth with a long smooth finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 11th, 2009

Fresh aromas of elderberry flowers, passion fruit and gooseberry with citric and mineral notes and a hint of jalapeno. It's lively on the palate, but the acidity is rounded not angular, and features flavours of lime, gooseberry and herbs with snappy citrus zest flavours on the finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 22nd, 2009

Red cherries and red plums, white pepper, cocoa, vegetal notes and a suggestion of coffee. Medium-bodied on the palate with juicy plum-berry flavours, vanilla and spice on the finish.
Incredible price!
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 14th, 2008

Gorgeous cherries and plush chocolate aromas, grilled red peppers, forest berries and a savoury core of spices, char and grilled meat. The palate is full, supple and fresh, liberal black fruits and cherry flavours with spiced chocolate lingering. A big, dense, satisfying wine.
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 9th, 2009

Crisp pear, toast, nut praline and tropical fruit notes. On the plate this lovely Southern Hemisphere Chard has clean flavours, a buttery texture with ginger-pear compote flavours finished off with warm spiced oak.
Fresh and satisfying!
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 4th, 2007

Bright berry fruit, chocolate and rich earthy aromas with undertones of leather and savoury herbs. Rich dark earth and fruit on the palate - berries and cherry - smooth and fresh with balanced acidity, coffee bean flavours and lingering spice on the finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 14th, 2008

Taking Pinot Noir seriously...Cono Sur developed their Pinot Noir Project in 1999 hoping to make the best Pinot Noir in Chile and in this bottle you'll find the proof that they've been working hard.
Cherry and red berry, beet greens, savory spices and dill aromas. The palate is smooth and earthier with leather, juicy dark cherry and tobacco and the finish extends until your next sip.
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 27th, 2007

The Cono Sur Chardonnay is made from grapes whose vineyards are currently in transition to organic - a process that generally takes a few years to comply with organic standards.
I applaud this - especially if the wine is tasty and the price is agreeable.
Fresh, yet ripe fruit aromas, creamy pear, honey, white floral notes with a hint of melon. Softly rounded on the entry growing more powerful mid-palate with apple peel, melon, pear and juicy lemony flavours with a brush of spice on the finish.
Very nice.
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 12th, 2008

Calling this a 'table wine' seems to be a shame when what's in the bottle is such an intriguing compilation that remains an aromatic secret but includes; Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat Canelli, Chardonnay and Viogner.
Rich, fragrant fruit aromas - peaches and mango, heady musk melon and honey, vanilla caramels and anise. Ripe fruit on the palate - tropical mango, honey, citrus jelly and mixed warm spices - pepper, cloves and star anise linger on the finish.
This wine has a lot of power and will stand up to white meat dishes or it's an obvious choice for curries and spiced plates.
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 16th, 2008

A deep golden colour with rich buttercream aromas, spice and vanilla, toasted oak, honey roasted nuts, fleur de sel with a hint of cloves. Smooth, creamy fruit on the palate, spiced and quite boldly flavoured with loads of freshness.
Great value and screw-capped too!
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 5th, 2008

Toasty and buttery on the nose with melon and floral aromas. Crisp on the entry sliding into a full, rich mid-palate with vanilla, warm spices and butterscotch followed by a long, spiced citrus zesty finish.
Good value!
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 15th, 2007

Jammy mulberry and warm spice aromas, chocolate, dried floral patchouli and cedar chips. Sweet, rich and ripe on the palate, lush dark fruit, chocolate, sweet allspice flavours with licorice, cedar and tobacco. easy drinking and juicy, a medium-full bodied wine that is great for burger and pizza nights.
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 31st, 2008

Ripe blackberry and dark cherries, eucalyptus and exotic spice aromas. On the palate this attractively priced Aussie Shiraz is smooth medium-bodied and fresh with dark fruit and a long peppery finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 27th, 2007

A delicious Chardy from one of Australia's wonderful cool-climate wine regions.
Loads of juicy pear and golden pineapple, honey, a hint of buttered toast, spiced nuts and citrus. Fantastically bright with vibrant fruit, it's juicy yet has a creamy edge with a long spiced finish.
Lovely concentration and freshness - the fruit shines, not the oak and it highlights the diversity Oz's wine regions.
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 10th, 2009

Intense garnet/purple-hued with bold fruit--plums and cherries, earth, char, tobacco and creamy lactic aromas. Big, bright and tight on the palate with a hard edge. Cellar for more several years.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 18th, 2007

If you like Gewurztraminer you'll love the Argentine varietal Torrontes!
Succulent aromas of lychee, melon, lemongrass and orange blossoms with star anise and ginger root tones. The palate is dry but unctuous, the flavours echo the aromas with the addition of a spritz of lime and a hint of herbs, then the finish pours on the spice.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 23rd, 2009

A clean, fresh and creamy, this pale sherry shows leesy notes and almond skin aromas. Sweetly smooth and fluid on the palate showing crisp white fruit - it's a lovely aperitif, extremely well suited to roasted, spiced almonds or pair it with a starter of carmelized onion and creamy cheese tarts.
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 20th, 2007

The aromas remain super-ripe from my last review - peaches, melon and pear compote scented with wild honey tones. Rounded and sweet on the palate with coddled orchard fruits, warm spices and vanilla.
Almost unctuous and lacking acidity.
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 8th, 2008

Stahltank translates to steel tank which means un-oaked. A surprising departure from many other un-oaked Chardonnays in BC. It has heartier, deeper fruit, super-ripe tropical and stone fruit aromas, earthy with stone minerality, vanilla and clove hints. On the palate it is round and creamy with ripe pineapple and pear flavours and a long, warm finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 18th, 2007

Yummy! Aromas of sweet canned peaches, lemon meringue, honey and warm spice. On the plate it is crisp, showing white grapefruit, green apple skin and a clean, refreshing finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 19th, 2007

Lemon/lime and white grapefruit, honey and sweet orchard fruits - a fruit cup of apples, pears and apricots. Very fruity flavours, ripe on the palate with honey, gala apples and stewed apricots - quite rich and off-dry with need of a bit more acidity.
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 8th, 2008

A unique orange-y colour with aromas of simmering summer berries, peach jam and ginger with undertones of marmalade. Fairly sweet on the palate with a good amount of spice flavours and crisp acidity on the finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 8th, 2008

Primary tropical fruit aromas - lychee and clementines with secondary exotic spice notes. On the palate the spice takes precedence with licorice followed by citrus oil and gingery flavours. The body has a weighted, oily texture, it's off-dry and would pair best with sweet/spicy dishes.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 22nd, 2008

From Cumulus Wines comes Rolling and Climbing with their illustrated labels--the Rolling features a female cyclist rolling along with her basket full of fruit.
Chocolate cherries and spice aromas with plummy-vanilla and tobacco flavours on the palate and dusty, spiced tannins on the finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 18th, 2007

In case you haven't heard of Tre Venzie before it is simply the three northeastern regions of Italy - Trentino Alto Adige, Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia all from which these Pinot Grigio grapes were sourced. I found the style to be slightly heartier than many other northern Italian Grigios I have tasted recently with buttery fruit aromas, roasted pear and honey notes. It's softly rounded on the palate with citrus peel, spice and stone mineral flavours and a crisp, zesty finish.
Pair with antipasti platters or pan-fried white fish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 13th, 2007

Tre Venzie refers to the three northeastern regions of Italy - Trentino Alto Adige, Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia all from which the Danzante Pinot Grigio grapes are sourced.
Slightly copper in tone the Danzante has aromas of Asian pear and melon, wild musky honey, marzipan and lemon zest with plenty of minerality. On the palate it is smooth, almost slick in texture with pomelo citrus, honey and almond oil with a hint of banana. Soft rounded acidity and a long finish - would pair well with pasta with creamy mushroom sauce or dense white fish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 22nd, 2009

Opaque in colour with a lovely purplish-hue the De Bortoli Petit Verdot is luscious with blackberry, mint chocolate, cedar and vanilla aromas. Sweet black fruit on the palate--smoothly spiced cocoa, leather and coffee bean flavours. It is bright with some chewiness and an earthy, spiced finish.
Always a pleasure to meet you!
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 20th, 2007

Easy drinking and always attractively scented the Deen De Bortoli 'Vat 4' smells of crushed flowers and mulberry, chocolate, spice and cloves, vanilla, cedarbox and undertones of blueberries. Smooth chocolate slides across the palate as well as mixed ripe berries, espresso and more spice. A great barbecue wine or pair with game in blueberry sauce.
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 15th, 2009

Visually mouth-watering, a pale rose petal pink with potent aromatics of muscat - honey, peach/apricot, orange blossoms and candied citrus peel. Expect a sweet bubbly, with a friendly mousse and snappy, refreshing acidity. The flavours echo the aromas making this a wine made for fruit pavlova or an aperitif paired with spicy mini appys...
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 25th, 2009

Generous plums and sweet cherry aromas, plenty of baking spices and hints of banana and vanilla. The palate is smoky and sweet - meat and mocha with intense black fruits. The palate is smooth with lifting acidity and fine cocoa tannins on the finish.
A tasty mid-week barbecue or pizza wine.
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 3rd, 2009

A lush, opaque purplish tone with seductive aromas that jump out of the glass. Creamy, jammy dark fruit, chocolate-y mocha, ripe berries and spearmint. On the palate it has clean fruit flavours--juicy blueberries, coffee, tobacco and chocolate with tight tannins on the finish.
Highly recommended-great value!
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 31st, 2007

An excellent value wine for sipping and the perfect partner for spiced foods.
It's an aromatic blend featuring mango, lychee, ginger and candied citrus peel. On the palate it's off-dry, a sweet and spicy combination of flavours with tart lemon drop flavours linked to a spicy finish.
Pair with pad Thai, curried summer salads or spring rolls dipped in sweet chili sauce...
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 10th, 2009

A great value summer sipper or partner for your spiced dishes!
This refreshing, aromatic blend has golden-green glints with lychee, pineapple, wild honey, rose petals, lemon oil and exotic spice aromas. On the palate it's off-dry with peaches, rose-oil, spice and lime zest with vanilla and sweet lemon drop flavours on the finish. The finish cleans up nicely.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 7th, 2008

A unique combination of smoke, spice and mineral aromas wrapped around melon and lemon wedges, vanilla and a hint of wild honey. Medium-bodied on the palate with spice throughout - earthy and minerally - made for food.
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 29th, 2008

A treat for Chardonnay lovers this unique version has aromas of pear and melon slices, loads of fresh mineral and creamy citrus, a hint of clove with a leesy/yeasty core. The palate is crisp and citrus-y loads of lemon, herbal, mineral and smoky, pithy flavours, it's bright with a buttery texture and tart, lingering finish.
Pair with buttery corn on the cob or halibut in herbed butter.
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 24th, 2009

Cherries and sweet dark fruits, floral and leathery undertones, earth and a hint of dried fruits. Medium-bodied with tart red fruit flavours, spiced tobacco and cedar with lingering spice on the finish.
Good value Monday-Wednesday spaghetti wine.
A blend of 70% Montepulciano and 30% Sangiovese.
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 1st, 2008

Cherries and bright red berries, saddle leather and violets, hints of iodine and coffee grounds, sun-baked earth and forest floor with undertones of peppery spices and cedar. Medium-bodied and fresh with loads of tart, juicy red fruit - cherries and small red berries - tobacco and spice with great acidity and fine drying tannins on the finish.
Very good value!
A blend of Montepulciano and Sangiovese.
Wine Scores Reviewed - February 6th, 2009

A great go-to bubbly for a crowd with its appealing apricot-y, apple, lime leaf and honeysuckle aromas with a suggestion of...lavender?.
Crisp, fresh and citrus-y with stone fruit flavours and a drop of honeyed sweetness. It has a full-on mousse-y mouthful and zesty finish.
Excellent value!
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 19th, 2007

This is an affordable bubbly you'll want to have plenty of stocked this summer. Keep it in the fridge for an aperitif or to make bellinis with...
Pretty aromas - green apples. citrus peel, apricots, a whiff of honey and spring blossoms. Easy sipping and quite mousse-y, the flavours echo the aromas, its crisp on the palate and the sweet citrus flavours linger.
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 15th, 2009

Always crisp and crowd pleasing!
Appealing peachy, appley aromas, citrus blossoms and a hint of petrol with honey and lilac undertones. Its fresh and snappy on the palate with a lively mousse filled with citrus and gingery flavours.
Very good value.
Serve as an aperitif or with scallop mousse with lemon zest in phyllo cups.
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 24th, 2008

The classic Deinhard has mixed aromas of creamed honey, stonefruit and slate, smoky earthy undertones and hints of bright citrus. Although it's off-dry on the palate it has tart, mouth-watering acidity to balance and flavours of green apples and grapefruit.
Pair with German-style potato salad or spicy noodle salads.
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 22nd, 2009

Aromas of stone fruits and lemon drop, ripe apple and honey with spring blossoms. It has a tart, crisp entry with flavours of limeade and citrus peel on the finish.
A fresh, affordable patio quaffer, or the perfect participant in a spicy buffet...
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 25th, 2009

A fruit cup of orchard fruit aromas - crisp apple, creamy pear and hints of honey and citrus blossoms. The palate has a smooth, rounded texture, there are flavours reminiscent of caramel apples and a squeeze of fresh citrus. Easy drinking with an impressive finish, the mid-palate is a bit shallow, but all-in-all a good value.
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 12th, 2009

A blend of Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet with prominent earthy notes and loads of red fruit - berries, plums and cherries with hints of vanilla. The Cabernet 'pops' on the palate with cassis, tobacco and soft spice flavours. The wine is medium-full bodied, the entry smooth, the mid-palate has an appealing dusty texture and the finish shows chewy, youthful tannins.
One of only a few wines available in BC from this very southern region of Patagonia.
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 26th, 2008

Here's an old-world bottle that'll impress, without breaking the budget. Velvety crushed floral, chocolate and cherry, rich dark earth and warm spice aromas. The palate is supple on the entry, juicy cherry/berry flavours, spice and chocolate echo the aromas, the texture becomes somewhat dusty and it finishes on a dry, peppery note.
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 25th, 2009

Appealing aromas of forest berries, leather and mocha, crushed dark flowers and orange peel notes spiked with pepper. Expect a powdery texture, it has good concentration of fruit, spice and savoury/earthy hints with balanced acidity to brighten the palate. A wine showing elegance and fruit with fine tannins and elongated finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 21st, 2009

If an easy drinking pink is right up your alley then a fresh pink that supports the Elephant Family charity organization that works to save the endangered Asian elephant may be even more appealing.
The wine itself is a vibrant cranberry colour with bright strawberry and citrus aromas. It's off-dry but certainly not sweet, crisp and zippy with flavours of pink grapefruit and red berries.
Simple and refreshing...a good value wine for your spicy meals!
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 9th, 2009

The region of Lisboa was formerly known as Estremadura. It runs along central coast of Portugal where Lisbon (Lisboa) is located.
Very well balanced between old world rustic and new world texture you can expect aromas of saddle leather and red berries, green olives and wild herbs, sunbaked earth and cherries with hits of cedarbox. It is fresh and very smooth on the palate layered with red fruit, leather and tobacco.
Simple yet complex all at once - drinking well now.
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 11th, 2009

There are not enough Gruner Veltliners on our wine shelves - crisp and fresh with great acidity make GV's great food wines.
The Domaene Gobelsburg has bright aromas - floral notes, apple, pear and juicy honeydew melon with streams of minerality and lemongrass. Balanced and racy on the palate with primary citrus - juice and zest - minerality and a hint of grassy/herbal flavours, the finish is tart.
Lip-smacking good!
Pair with seafood appetizers, sashimi or creamy cheeses.
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 31st, 2008

A crowd pleasing bubbly with impressive mousse and a hint of fruity sweetness. Aromas are yeasty/leesy with ripe melon, pear and pineapple, creamed honey, minerals and fruit blossoms. Its has a full frontal mousse with creamy fruit, loads of crisp citrus and a long zesty finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 19th, 2008

Really crisp and fresh .
Aromas of citrus peel, apple and apricots and a suggestion of spice on the nose. Dry and mouth-watering with a long zippy finish. Try with vinaigrettes, salads, goats cheese or shellfish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 6th, 2007

Pears, apples and minerals, warm spices and vanilla notes with stone fruit, citrus and spice on the palate. A delicious Pinot Gris with a warm and rounded mouth-feel and long finish.
Tasty with creamy cheeses or pair with seafood, salads and light white meats.
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 5th, 2007

Aromatic!
Floral notes, lime leaf, and loads of stone fruit aromas. Fresh and grapefruit-y on the palate, mouth-watering and just off-dry this would be a nice choice with spicy foods and Asian dishes.
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 6th, 2007

Limoux, the appellation within Languedoc is believe to be the birthplace of sparkling wine - not actually Champagne as most people think, Blanquette merely means white (or of white grapes). This newly released bubbly is certified 100% organic and won't break the bank.

The aromas are typically leesy/bread dough with citrus and garrigue (wild herbs) and a hint of toast. It is a lively bubbly with a bright, smooth mousse and suggests peach and gingery flavours. It's also a demi-sec which explains the kiss of sweetness on the palate.
Serve as an aperitif or with light seafood appetizers or soft cheese.
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 10th, 2009

This bold golden liquid emits aromas of wild honey and minerals, peach and citrus blossoms with ample spice. The palate provides tropical and stone fruits - again plenty of spice and citrus zest flavours that linger on the palate with a suggestion of tannin. It has a pleasing oily texture but plenty of acidity to make it refreshing.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 16th, 2009

A delicious, organic Chardonnay!
Superbly fresh with lemony flavours, minerality and crisp green apple. The palate is smooth - virtually creamy with sweet white fruits and citrus. Mouth-watering and spiced with a zesty finish - delicious!
Pair with pasta in creamy sauces and fishor chicken in lemon-butter sauce.
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 23rd, 2009

This label is pays homage to the original winery (still in use) built in Mendoza city in 1884 that is now also home to a fantastic restaurant called Francis Mallmann.
Certainly more Syrah than Shiraz it is a wine with bright red fruit and wild herbal aromas followed by chocolate and vanilla, a burst of blueberry and a core of savoury char-grilled tones. It is medium-bodied with plenty of juicy red berry flavours albeit lacking some depth. Expect a wine that's quite delicate on the palate, with a fine powdery texture and smooth finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 10th, 2009

NEW!
Sweet dense fruit--cherry and dark ripe berry aromas, earth and vanilla. Smooth and fresh with dark fruit flavours, chocolate, vanilla, tobacco and warm spice flavours followed with lingering coffee on the finish.
Appealingly lush!
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 31st, 2007

Although there has been a change in the Gascon label since last vintage the powerful wine inside remains.
Intense, meaty aromas - boysenberry, smoke, mixed spices, savoury meat and herbal notes with pepper and a hint of dried fruit. Dense, ripe dark fruit - berry/plummy and peppery flavours, cocoa and coffee. It's earthy yet shows vibrant acidity and has youthful tannins on the finish.
A wine for meat or grilled foods.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 9th, 2008

Somewhat more fine-boned than its Malbec peers in the same price range, the Gascon shows blackcherry and blackberry, loads of pepper, vanilla and spice, undertones of prune and smoke and a hint of green olive. Spiced black fruits lead the palate, espresso and bittersweet cocoa and earthy savoury flavours linger on the finish. Nice elegance.
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 29th, 2009

NEW!
Muscular aromatics--black fruit, smoked meat, earth and dark floral aromas. Smooth on the entry growing heatier on the mid-palate with chewy black fruit and coffee, a brush of acidity and smoky spices with lingering savory herbs, black pepper and dark cocoa on the finish.
Pair with grilled meat.
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 31st, 2007

Opaque in colour with indigo glints and aromas of juicy blackberries,smoke, vanilla, spice and cedar with leather and meaty notes. Full-bodied with ripe, peppery fruit, smooth and balanced, bright acidity and lingering spice on the finish.
Very tasty!
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 18th, 2008

Expressive and fragrant - aromas of blueberry tea and sun-warmed raspberries, sweet mint and chocolate with loads of potent floral notes. The palate is sweet and bright with fantastic acidity. Expect juicy summer berries, tobacco leaf and mint with peppery flavours lingering, the tannins are fine and clingy.
A wine that will leave you wanting more...
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 11th, 2009

Vibrant aromas of white peach and passionfruit with citrus peel, grass clippings and sweet herbs. The palate is a fine balance of creamy and lively and you can expect bright flavours of sour peach, mineral and grapefruit with a tart, mouth-watering finish.
Delicious!
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 23rd, 2009

This golden-hued Chardonnay with a core of toast and spice softened by creamy pear, melon, citrus and minerality. It has a fantastic weight on the palate with a creamy texture and flavours of citrus, toasted spices, pineapple and melon with hazelnut flavours lingering. The finish is snappy and fresh.
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 25th, 2009

A dense purplish hue with dark, juicy berry aromas that jump out of the glass followed with undertones of crushed flowers, chocolate and savoury herbs. Ripe and sweet on the palate - a fruit bomb of flavour supported by patchouli, cedar and fresh ground spices. Intense and supple - good value.
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 10th, 2008

Great value!
Expect a wine with a dense colour and opulent aromas of blackberries and black currents, cracked pepper, plush chocolate and espresso liqueur. It's supple with creamy black fruits, leather and plenty of mixed spices and pepper. Very balanced acidity and integrated tannins say, drink me now!
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 4th, 2009

Crushed berries and dark flowers, saddle leather and cedar box with earthy tones and iodine. The aromas follow through onto the palate - rustic, with prominent acidity, spice cedar and cherry flavours. The tannins are fine but mouth-filling and this wine has a lot of life left in it yet...
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 3rd, 2009

Wonderful smoky/sweet cherry aromas, tar and saddle leather, coffee and sunbaked earth, dried flowers, forest floor and cocoa. The palate is full-bodied and typically earthy - leather, espresso, tobacco and pepper, cedar box and fresh spiced, red fruit.
A great gift idea or special occasion bottle that already has some age!
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 4th, 2008

Sangiovese and Merlot combine to make this tasty 'Super Tuscan' style blend.
Classic rustic Sangiovese aromas - saddle leather, sweet cherry, earth and red berry notes with undertones of smoke and roasted coffee beans. The palate has more assertive fruit than on the nose - good acidity and flavours hinting at black cherry, spice, leather, cedar and sun-baked earth with fine drying tannins on the finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 1st, 2008

Straw coloured with greenish hints and honeyed-citrus aromas with appealing herbal and mineral nuances. On the palate, the Dourthe shows a lovely balance between crispness and a round, smooth texture.
Pair with fresh oysters, chevre and salads with vinaigrettes.
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 14th, 2008

A recognizable Riesling favourite, the Dr.L features fresh lemon-lime, peach, white floral and mineral aromas with a hint of petrol. On the palate it pops fresh, sweet apricots, green apples and apricots, citrus blossoms and honey. Bright acidity cleanses the palate and makes your mouth water for more.
Consistant vintage after vintage.
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 21st, 2008

Golden hued with aromas of honey, stone fruits, slate and tea leaves. The aromas echo the palate showing ripe peach/apricot flavours, chamomile tea with honey, juicy citrus and the expected minerality. The palate is softly rounded, it's off-dry but with bright acidity.
A lovely Mosel Riesling from a great producer.
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 7th, 2008

Fresh!
Aromas of lemon peel, honey blossoms loads of mineral notes and a fine seam of petrol on the nose. Off-dry with lemon/lime falvours, tree fruit and steely minerality. Tangy and crisp with a lingering zesty, mouth-watering finish.
Delicious!
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 7th, 2008

The colour is honey and the aromas too. Ripe apricot, lemon drops, honey citrus zest and white blossoms with undertones of slate and petrol. In the mouth there's an initial spritz of citrus on the entry followed by stone fruits, candied zest and lingering minerality on the finish. It's off-dry but has snappy acidity to clean up the finish.
Trust me, you'll want to have more...
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 7th, 2008

Ah-mee-CHEE-tee ah is a latin word meaning friends, it's a very difficult word to decipher on a label, but I give them credit for the thought behind the name....Dunham Froese is employing not only organic, but biodynamic practices in their vineyards which I applaud.
This fragrant blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Viognier has gobs of stone fruit - peach and apricot - citrus, exotic floral, vanilla and honey and is liberally spiced. Slick on the palate with excellent extraction - the Viognier really pops here - and a long, hot finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 20th, 2009

This is a fragrant compilation of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Viognier that I like even more than the 2007 vintage. AndDunham Froese is employing not only organic, but biodynamic practices in their vineyards which I heartily applaud.
The wine has aromas of juicy white peach and pink grapefruit, hints of caramel and warm spice, jalapeno and grass clippings with exotic floral and honey tones. The palate is smooth and rounded with layers of sweet, fresh white fruit and herbal flavours. Tart citrus and fine spice linger on the finish.
Very good!
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 16th, 2009

Dunham Froese is a small winery in the southern Okanagan town of Oliver, located at the base of the soaring McIntyre Bluff. The Amicitia (Latin for 'friends') pronounced ah-me-CHEE-tee-ah is a red blend of Merlot and Syrah.
The aromas are intense pepper, cherries, chocolate and plum with savoury, meaty undertones. Red berries and plums appear on the palate, again with loads of pepper, leather and bittersweet chocolate flavours. There is lifted acidity, the texture is dusty, somewhat drying and the finish has mouth-coating tannins.
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 14th, 2009

This small winery and organic vineyards are located at the base of the soaring McIntyre Bluff near Oliver BC. The Amicitia 2007 (Latin for 'friends') pronounced ah-me-CHEE--ee-ah is a red kitchen sink blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Syrah. Expect soft, earthy aromas of wild berries and plums, tobacco and savoury herbal tones. It's medium-bodied and quite fine-boned with plenty of spice and cedar flavours. The tannins are fine grained and linger through the finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 8th, 2009

A very impressive showing from a winery that is not only employing organic but biodynamic practices...
Prune plums, chocolate, juicy red cherry and leather with sage-y/vegetal notes and smoky minerality. The entry reveals fresh, bright fruit and a medium-full bodied weight then sweet spices and cedar into spiced coffee on the finish. The acidity is great and the tannins are soft making this a great wine with soft cheeses or even firm fleshed fish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 5th, 2009

Dunham Froese is located on the 700 acre Covert Farms land at the base of McIntyre Bluff near Okanagan Falls. They embrace sustainable and organic farming practices and continue to impress BC wine drinkers with their wines.
The 2007 Merlot bucks the trend of the massive, extracted versions I have been tasting recently and aims for a bit more elegance. Expect red fruit, cedar chips, saddle leather and wild herb aromas on the nose with undertones of chocolate. The palate is a bit austere, it's medium-bodied and earthy with good acidity and flavours of red berries, spicebox, forest floor and cocoa.
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 4th, 2009

The Pinot Blanc was the first wine I ever tasted from Dunham Froese a couple of years back and I think, to this day, its one of my favourites in the Okanagan.
Fresh orchard fruits like white peach and nectarine, spring blossoms and honey. The palate is snappy, zesty and fruity with nice minerality and a crisp, dry finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 20th, 2009

Sour cherry, red berries, savoury herbs, leather and forest floor aromas The palate shows bright, tart red fruit, plenty of spice and pepper, tea leaf and cedarbox and earthy undertones. Very well balanced and not too astringent - stands up well against other B.C Pinot Noirs.
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 4th, 2009

Mixed red berry and tart cherry, earthy/mushroom-y aromas and cedar with hints of sage and a pinch of pepper. The texture stands out in this wine - silky against the tongue with raspberry fruit followed by savoury flavours - herbs and pepper, fleur de sel and forest floor. Loads of spice, good acidity and a substantial finish.
Pair with duck, salmon with wild mushroom cream sauce or morel risotto.
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 1st, 2009

The 2008 vintage of Dunham Froese's rose has brilliant salmony-orange glints and aromas of smoked cherries, currents and cranberry with tangerine peel. Expect a bright palate with plenty of acidity and layers of mixed berry, earth, cedarbox spice and citrus flavours. The finish is long and zesty...
Perfect for a light lunch on the patio.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 8th, 2009

Wild red berries and smoke, earthy - florest floor/woodsy notes - light spice, tobacco and leather. The palate is off-dry, kind of spicy-sweet, with tart red fruit, citrus zest and spiced tobacco lingering on the finish. Pair with salmon or wild mushrooms in cream sauce.
Look for this hard-to-find wine in select private wine stores or, I heard you may be able to taste some at the newly opened Shangri-La Hotel in Vancouver...
Wine Scores Reviewed - February 5th, 2009

Intriguing aromas of cracked black peppercorns, sweet red berries, tobacco, earth and spices. Full-bodied and fresh, with juicy red berries on the palate, coffee beans and peppery flavours. Balanced acidity and fine tannins on the finish.
Good value!
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 6th, 2008

StellaPort is a combination of two words "Stella",from Stella cherries that have been growing on the Elephant Island site for decades and "Port", from the fortified dessert wine classic to Portugal. Although the NV (non-vintage) Stellaport is produced in the traditional solera system method, like sherry (meaning the current juice in being blended with a combination of previous vintages), and its intriguing bottle reads like a time capsule of local and world events.
The colour is a velvety cherry juice/brickish hue with aromas of spiced, cooked cherries and clove. On the tongue it's smooth, not too sweet, tasting of cherries jubilee, dried cherries, cedar and cocoa. Good acidity lingering fine, spiced tannins on the finish.

Wine Scores Reviewed - December 15th, 2008

You may ask why I am reviewing a product that is no longer available (you may find a few bottles lingering in private wine stores). So that you can keep in mind, the 2008 vintage when it comes available or better yet you can look out for other E.I. fruit wines this holiday season that will also be suitable to drop into your bubbly cocktails or serve with dessert.
This framboise is sun warmed raspberries, sweet and warm with liqueur-like intensity. And like any fresh berries it finishes with a tart kiss - not too sweet.
Just try to have only one sip...
Pair with chocolate lava cake or that decadent box of designer chocolates.
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 16th, 2008

A luscious blend of Syrah, Cabernet, Carmenere, Merlot and Petit Verdot this organic/biodynamic wine is rich and earthy with blueberries, raspberries, underlying black fruit aromas and smoke and cocoa notes. Fresh and vibrant on the palate with an appealing chewiness, nice acidity and lingering dark chocolate, warm spices and ripe berry flavours that you can really sink your teeth into.
Truly delicious.
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 12th, 2007

Classic Errazuriz elegance with dense aromas of cassis, fresh herbs, black cherries in chocolate and leather notes. On the palate it shows smooth berry liqueur flavours, a slightly chewy, earthy mid-palate, integrated tannins and lingering sweet spiced cocoa on the finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 23rd, 2007

One of the well-made Max Reserva wines, the Shiraz boasts appealing fruit and elegance. Aromas of sweet cherries and wild berries, cedar chips and purple blossoms with undertones of char, earth, chocolate and plenty of spice. The palate is supple with flavours that echo the aromas - dark berries, smoke and spice, meaty tones and dark chocolate with fine white pepper lingering on the finish. Good structure with dry and powdery tannins.
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 22nd, 2009

This bottle (with its darling label) is a blend of two of my favorite grapes, Carignan and Grenache.
Sweet berry, earth and spiced aromas with delicate notes of rose petals in the rain. Smooth on the palate with juicy red berries, minerals, tobacco and roasted coffee, shows good acidity throughout, soft tannins on the finish and lingering white pepper.
Pair with Spanish cheeses and chacuterie.
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 31st, 2007

This chic rose is made from Garnacha and will pair nicely with spicy fish tacos or tapas. It's a cranberry-hued rose that releases a bounty of summer berry aromas as well as candied citrus, tobacco and fine cedar box spice notes. It's fresh on the palate and is highlighted with wild strawberries and tart current flavours, and there's plenty of spice and citrus peel throughout.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 10th, 2009

Seductively rich and velvety on the nose and the palate.
An exceedingly quaffable California Cab with a price that will have you stocking up!
Lush...cassis, juicy red berries, chocolate covered cherries and sweet spices all wrapped up in a silky smooth package.
And, it has enough sweet, ripe fruit to partner with spiced Indian fritters laced with curry!
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 17th, 2007

Esser has it goin' on. From the simple, clean and attractive packaging to it's appealing under $20 price tag Esser wines represent good (drinkable) value for the almighty buck!
The Chardonnay has a rich goldy-hue with super-ripe aromas of pineapple and pear, fruit blossoms, juicy lemon and sweet vanilla spices. On the palate it's a rounded, buttery mouth-full with fresh fruit flavours dressed up with more warm spice on the finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 17th, 2007

Pineapple, toasted spices, brown butter and melon aromas with streams of citrus, guava and vanilla caramel undertones. Crisp on the entry - tropical and citrus fruits supported by buttery roasted nut flavours. The freshness lingers - very good!
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 31st, 2008

Mulberries and spiced mocha, eucalyptus and sweet allspice with leathery hints and blueberry undertones. Juicy and ripe with bright berry fruit on the palate, spice and tobacco with gentle power and fresh acidity.
Very good.
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 30th, 2008

Earthy and rich on the nose with smoked black cherries, leather, meaty notes and cedar spice box. Smooth with bright acidity and quite full-bodied for a Pinot Noir showing fresh cherry, smoke, earth, spiced cocoa and oak char flavours on the finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 15th, 2008

Dark ruby-cherry coloured showing rich plum and blackcurrant aromas with vanilla, earth, chocolate and some herbal/jalapeno hints. Fresh, ripe fruit, cocoa, peppery spices and oak flavours. Stylish and layered with a warm finish and integrated tannins. Good value!
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 1st, 2008

An attractively priced Viognier with aromas of lemon/lime and minerals and hints of spice and stone fruits. On the palate it shows tropical fruits and spice with a smooth, slightly oily texture, it's hot but not overly and its brightness offsets the typical weightiness of Viognier.
Surprisingly elegant for the value.
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 15th, 2009

A lovely, feminine-style Amarone with pretty blueberry, dried cherry and crushed floral aromas laced with spice and coffee liqueur tones for support. Earthy with dark chocolate, leather, dried cherries and spice lingering on the palate. An Amarone that will seduce you with elegance, not pound its chest...
Wine Scores Reviewed - February 27th, 2009

Plush blackberry and juicy black cherry aromas, smoke, pepper, earth and rich chocolate notes with hints of sweet herbs and roasted meat. Clean dark fruit on the entry, it's dense and earthy with a slightly dusty texture. Bold acidity with peppery spice and cocoa flavours on the finish and slightly granular tannins.
Well made!
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 21st, 2008

Made from 100% Verdicchio the Le Moie Dei Castelli is a more complex version of the classic green amphora bottle we all recognize.
The aromas are musky- beeswax, forest floor/mushroomy notes, roasted nuts, oak spice, toffee and apple pie. It is supple, with a rounded oily texture, spice, citrus and roasted apple and nutty flavours that linger.
Pair with pasta or white fish in a creamy, nutty sauce or antipasti platters.
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 23rd, 2009

Unquestionably recognizable, the Fazi bottle makes me think of sipping seaside on the Adriatic in Marche on a hot summer evening.
Chilled and served with antipasti or seafood it's a definate food wine. Mineral, apple and citrus aromas with almond oil notes. Light bodied with a slightly oily texture and crisp, zesty, minerally flavours, bright acidity and a not unpleasant bitter finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 3rd, 2008

The Fazi's unique green amphora bottle is very recognizable - but when was the last time you sipped this Verdicchio?
Summer crisp and light this is a great food wine for fish, summer salads and antipasti platters...
Crisp pear, apple and nectarine aromas, spring blossoms and tea leaf notes. The palate is fresh with softly rounded acidity and hints of almond oil and citrus peel on the finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 22nd, 2009

A very interesting bubbly made from 100% Verdicchio the Fazi Brut shows toasted, nutty aromas, deep dish apple pie and herbal notes. Extremely mousse-y with similar toasty, nutty, pie crust flavours and plenty of tart citrus to linger.
Good aperitif or will shine for fish and antipasti...
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 23rd, 2009

Off to a good start the aromas in the Felino are plush...ripe purple berries and molten chocolate with undertones of dark earth and roasted carob. Opulent and supple on the palate, sun warmed, juicy berries, mocha and spice lingers. Great acidity and a soft ripe finish with powdery tannins.
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 29th, 2009

Lush!
Juicy dark berries and sweet spice aromas that return on the palate layered with fresh blueberry and chocolate flavours that linger...smooth and supple. You'll want to eat it with a spoon!
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 5th, 2007

The aromatics in this wine are subdued and quite earthy - hints of cherries, spice, cedar dust and tobacco. The palate shows predominantly red berry fruit flavours and spices, it is medium-bodied and smooth with fine tannins lingering on the finish,
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 13th, 2009

This hefty bottle houses an intriguing white wine with savoury herbs and pine notes, white fruit and honeycomb with unctuous mineral notes. On the palate the herbs and minerals return with clean citrus flavours, an oily texture and soft, fresh finish - perfect for fish or white meat.
As reviewed in Infamous Magazine May 2008.
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 5th, 2008

This crisp white will thrill you with its sweet, dried pineapple, delicate citrus blossom and almond oil aromas. Secondary notes of minerals, citrus, stone fruit, honey and grass return on the palate - round and superbly clean with zesty acidity. Perfect for seafood dishes or light creamy sauces.
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 15th, 2008

Chocolate coated plums and briary berry aromas with undertones of cherry-marzipan, sweet spices and leather. Medium-full bodied on the palate, supple and balanced with more cherry, toasted spice and a hint of licorice on the finish!
Highly quaffable!
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 30th, 2007

Bright aromas - sweet red berries, vanilla and coconut aromas with pepper, oak and a hint of cocoa. On the palate, its youthful with juicy red fruit, savoury herb flavours, loads of pepper and a hint of plums with oak and bittersweet chocolate on the finish.
Great value!
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 29th, 2008

A substantial Malbec that is inky hued with aromas of black fruits, smoke, spiced meat. loads of pepper and a hint of wild herbs. Supple on the palate with a solid core of dark fruit and savoury flavours, nice balanced acidity and good structure. The finish is smooth with plenty of oak spice flavours lingering.
Very good value!
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 14th, 2009

The Finca Flichman Cabernet has primary sweet berry fruit aromas, crushed floral notes, sweet herbs and vanilla with milk chocolate, coconut and a pinch of pepper. On the palate you can expect a soft rounded texture, restrained dusty red fruit and tobacco. The power builds toward the smooth finish and pepper flavours linger.
Good value!
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 11th, 2009

Very apropos - the Rebel Wine Co's Firehose was designed to put out the fire of spicy food.
A hint of sweetness balances sweet curries with spice. Lower alcohol doesn't light the fire like a high alcohol wine would and the price is a sweet bonus.
Lime juice, honey blossoms, juicy orchard fruits and candied citrus rind aromas. Refreshing, an easy quaffer that's just off-dry with bright acidity and a slightly tart finish
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 7th, 2008

Part of the Pooles Rock portfolio of wines which includes Cockfighter's Ghost the Late Harvest Verdelho is a pleasant surprise that would be perfect for spiced Asian dishes and curries.
Off-dry in style with tropical fruit, floral and honey aromas. Apricot jam and warm spice flavours and vanilla hints on the finish.
Worth seeking out at private wine stores in BC-it should be arriving shortly.
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 12th, 2007

This well priced Italian cousin of Zinfandel has loads of red fruits - cherries and plums - with smoked hints, saddle leather and iodine with chocolate and espresso undertones.The palate is simple and rustic but satisfying with layered flavours of pomegranate, red currents, fine cedarbox spices and tobacco lingering on the finish. It's a smooth wine with nice balance.
Good value!
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 11th, 2009

This is an excellent value Chardonnay all warm and buttery with pear, mango, pineapple and citrus blossoms. Crisp and fresh in the mouth with citrus, butterscotch and oak spice on the finish--smooth and rounded on the palate with a delicious linger.
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 17th, 2007

Plummy and berry aromas with herbal, gravel, menthol and cocoa- notes. Smooth on the palate with hints of roasted meat, smoked plums and mixed dark fruits with new, toasted oak flavours on the finish.
A well-priced Merlot.
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 20th, 2007

Light aromas of lemon peel and minerals with hints of white fruits. The palate is fresh and crisp with apple and citrus, a whisper of herbal flavours and a tart finish. Pair with appetizers or seafood.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 22nd, 2009

Sweet and earthy with aromas of vanillin oak, dark plums and smoked cherries with mineral notes. Medium-bodied, fresh on the entry with bright berry-cherry flavours followed by white pepper, oak char and toasted spices. Solid, balanced acidity, fine dusty tannins and a lingering finish.
Good Value!
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 15th, 2008

Richly coloured with creamy aromas of vanilla caramels, pears and pineapple with warm spices and nutty undertones. Rounded and buttery on the palate with butterscotch and spice flavours and a bright citrusy finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 15th, 2008

An intriguing blend of barrel-aged Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Semillon, the Fork in the Road White has rich primary aromas of juicy pineapple and honey roasted nuts with pear, melon and lemon cream notes. Bright, smooth and toasty on the palate with similar fruit as the nose and showing lingering spiced oak on the finish.
Chardonnay 78%, Pinot Gris 12%, Semillon 10%
Serve with smoked gruyere or pasta with creamy/nutty sauces.
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 19th, 2007

Just released, the second vintage of the Fork in the Road red shows dense dark berry aromas- blueberry and blackberry - sweet spices, chocolate and dried fruit with leather and vanilla caramel notes. Rich and layered on the palate with lush fruit, dark cocoa, savoury herbs and oak spices and white pepper on the finish.
A full-bodied wine that tapers smoothly would be a great pairing with winter stews.
63% merlot,22% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 23rd, 2007

Is this the best Pinot Noir in British Columbia? I think it might be.
Superb aromatics, sweet cherries and violets, warm raspberries and cedar chips with undertones of leather and forest floor. The palate is supple, absolutely silky in texture, layered with tart red fruit and berries, leather, cedar and fine spices. Elegant and quite voluptuous yet juicy with a smooth finish.
It's a very young wine, under direction of my friend John Schreiner I decanted it and let it breath for at least an hour, but you can drink it now. I think I'll put a couple bottles away for the short term.
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 19th, 2009

When you hear the old British term Claret, do you think of the leaner style Bordeaux of days gone past? I know I do, but this version from California is nothing like that.
I'd say it's more of a fruit-bomb, laden with cassis and plum cake, chocolate covered cherries, cedar and vanilla, plenty of minty notes and undertones of earth and espresso. The palate is opulent but is lifted with fantastic acidity, the flavours echo the aromas with chocolate, red fruit, coffee and spice, the tannins fine and powdery.
It's a glassful of decadence.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 20th, 2009

Golden in colour this California Chardonnay shows plenty of caramel and spice aromas, tropical fruits, honey and vanilla. The palate, as expected, is rounded but fresh - smooth and creamy. The flavours echo the aromas with loads of sweet, ripe tropical fruit, vanilla, candied nuts and spice.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 20th, 2009

This new release from Marchesi de Frescobaldi, the Santa Maria, is a blend of 85% Sangiovese and 15% Cabernet.
The aromas are rustic - cherry, leather, cocoa, dark earth with hints of tar and peppery spices. Medium-bodied with fresh, silky flavours - more cherry, tobacco and cedarbox spices. Mid-palate to finish has a dusty texture, is lightly spiced with fine tannins on the finish.
Pair with aged cheeses, roasted meat or grilled veg.
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 9th, 2008

Hailing from the vineyards of Castiglioni in Tuscany this Chianti (made from 85% Sangiovese and 15% Merlot) is brimming with rustic aromas of cherry, red berries, herbs, fresh earth, tar and wet leather. The flavours are bright dark berry fruit on the entry followed with pepper and mixed spice and dusty tannins and sour cherry on the finish.
Great for tomato-sauce based dishes.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 30th, 2007

An unoaked Chardonnay with a brilliant yellow-hue and obvious tropical fruit aromas. Fresh pear, melon, lemon, candied toasted nuts and lemon-butter notes. On the palate the Llama is smooth and creamy with spiced pear and vanilla flavours it has a warm mid-palate that softens nicely on the finish.
Great value!
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 28th, 2007

Argentina produces some of the tastiest Malbec's on the planet--but rarely with playful labels. The Funky Llama label is a primary-hued attention grabber but the juice is tasty. Cherry, spiced dark fruit, smoked meat and cocoa with gravel stone notes, a med-full body and juicy red fruit that follows through on the finish.
Well priced!
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 28th, 2007

If quaffing over complexity is what what you want in your wine then this red from Argentina lives up to its rather fun and colourful label. Aromas of chocolate covered cherries, red fruits, vanilla and coconut with sweet spice notes. The palate is rounded and quite lush and features plush fruit flavours, oak and spiced cocoa with fine tannins on the finish.
Very suitable for a party or a barbecue.
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 9th, 2009

A fragrant Cannonau is always welcome in my house. The Lillove has typical smoky, cherry and dark floral aromas with undertones of bacon fat, sweet spices, tar and a hint of wild blueberries. The palate is more brooding - char and savoury meaty flavours, coffee beans and cedar. Fine tannins on the finish linger with toasted spice.
Pair with rich stews or roasted meat dishes
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 5th, 2008

This is a bargain Chianti, light weight with fresh cherry and strawberry aromas, tobacco, leather, cedar and spice. It's fresh, light and spiced on the palate - easy and simple for your Monday-Wednesday pasta nights!
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 7th, 2008

Good value (did you notice that for once BC has the best price?) this easy sipping light-bodied Pinot Grigio will pair well with light pasta dishes and seafood.
Bright minerality and fresh squeezed citric aromas, pear and apple notes with undertones of honey. Light in colour and body with a clean palate - flinty, citrus and honey flavours with lively acidity and lemon zest on the finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 18th, 2008

This is just one of a new portfolio of wines that recently arrived from Israel.
The Galil Mountain wines are made in a modern fruit-forward style and the labels are contemporary and attractive. The Cabernet has up-front black currant and raspberry with earthy notes and spiced tobacco. Medium-full bodied and smooth with a solid backbone and manageable tannins.
Kosher, vegan and simply tasty!
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 24th, 2008

This is just one of a new portfolio of wines that recently arrived from Israel.
The Galil Mountain wines are made in a modern fruit-forward style and the labels are contemporary and attractive.
The Pinot Noir has loads of juicy red fruit - red berries and cherries, leather and floral notes with sweet, smooth fruit and vanilla on the palate. Medium-bodied.
Kosher, vegan and very easy to drink!
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 24th, 2008

New! from the well-established Prosecco producer Gancia, this P.Rose is not actually a rose but a lightly hued spumante bubbly with fresh, delicate, aromas of acacia flowers, pear and citrus. Lively on the palate with fine bubbles snappy citrus and mineral flavours with hints of toasted almond and honey. A long finish with typical citrus peel flavours lingering.
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 19th, 2009

The Gancia Prosecco, recently arrived in BC is light and bright with a pleasing dance of bubbles and aromas of apple skin, talc and minerals with a whiff of fresh lilac. The palate is creamy with a crisp edge flavoured with apple, pear and citrus peel. Fresh and fun, nicely balanced and dry with a typical pithy Prosecco finish.
Serve with patio brunches or light appetizers
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 4th, 2009

It is what it is - a bright, crisp fresh youthful wine as a Vinho Verde should be. Soft apple, peach pit and honey aromas with mineral flavours and spritzy citrus on the nose and palate. Dry, light-bodied with clean zesty flavours. Easy sipping or pair with fresh shellfish.
Great price!
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 1st, 2008

This classic Italian DOCG white made from 100% Cortese is a wonderful food wine. Clean and fresh showing soft white fruit, citrus blossoms and honeyed aromas with almond skin and a hint of smoke. Pure mineral flavours, lemon zest and bitter almond on the finish - pair with soft nutty cheeses or fish.
From the Banfi sister winery Vigne Regali.
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 22nd, 2008

Great value!
A refreshing, slightly fizzy rose that will make you smile.
Made from the classic red Portuguese grape varieties; Baga, Rufete, Tinta Barroca and Touriga Nacional, this cranberry coloured rose has aromas of marshmallow, wildflowers and strawberries with hints of spice. On the palate the strawberry and marshmallow return with candied citrus peel and tangerine flavours. Expect this refreshing pink to be off-dry but crisp on the finish. And at only 10% alcohol sip freely or pair it with spicy pork spring rolls.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 9th, 2009

Buy it by-the-case!
This refreshing, vivace white will tickle your tongue not gouge your wallet.
Made from the indigenous white grape varieties; Loureiro, Trajadura, Azal and Paderna this wine presents exuberant aromas of spring blossoms, melon, Meyer lemon and a hint of peach. It pops on the palate with a slight fizz, it has a crisp citrus-y flavour and tart, clean finish.
Pairs it with shellfish or summer salads!
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 9th, 2009

A light golden-hue Chardonnay with creamy pineapple and pear aromas supported by tempting notes of butterscotch, vanilla sugar and spice. On the palate its smooth and softly rounded - a light styled Chardonnay - with fresh white fruit and spiced oak on the finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 7th, 2008

An appealing and easy-drinking Merlot from this well recognized BC winery.
Sweet, warm aromas with juicy mixed berries. It's super smooth and fresh on the palate with ripe fruit, vanilla, spices and mocha flavours with light, silky tannins.
Easy to drink on its own or pair with burgers.
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 24th, 2007

Gorgeous aromas - fragrant crushed dark flowers, ripe blackberries and blueberries, lifted minty tones, sweet allspice and vanilla with undertones of leather and dark earth. Sweet and juicy on the entry, delicious ripe, creamy fruit, great acidity and loads of berry and floral on the palate with spice lingering on the finish.
Supple and utterly appealing.
Wine Scores Reviewed - February 9th, 2009

Minerals and doughy/leesy aromas, melon and pear, lemon drops and fresh popped-corn notes...Creamy and mineraly on the palate with flavours of butter and citrus peel. The finish snaps with vibrant acidity...
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 2nd, 2009

Blackberries and currents, creamy chocolate and Barossa eucalypt aromas...Fabulous acidity lifts this wine out of a weighted jam jar into elegance while bittersweet chocolate, pepper and mixed berry fruit flavours pair well with aged cheddar. After visiting in February 2009 I can confirm the Gemtree family knows what they are doing...
Wine Scores Reviewed - February 25th, 2009

Intense.
Dried fruits, plums and chocolate covered blackberries, pepper and smoke, leather and a hint of blueberry. The palate bursts with fresh summer berries and is supported with earthy flavours - leather, smoke and allspice. Great acidity. A solidly built wine that is tasty to the last drop.
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 4th, 2008

New to BC, this exceptionally tall bottle of Appellation Brouilly Gamay has bright aromas of currents, cherries and strawberries, light spice and cedar with interesting hints of hazelnut. On the palate it's fresh and medium-bodied with plenty of juicy berry flavours, white pepper, leather and cedar. The finish is very dry with super-fine tannins.
I suggest you chill this wine in the fridge a bit before opening to make the berry flavours really pop.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 17th, 2009

Expect charming pear and praline aromas, smoky minerality and fine spice with sweet buttery undertones. The texture is creamy it has plenty of warm spice, citrus and mineral flavours that will pair well with nut crusted halibut or squash and ricotta ravioli.
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 8th, 2009

Creamy butterscotch, ripe melon, roasted nuts and grilled pineapple aromas. Well integrated oak flavour on the palate highlighted with flavours of vanilla caramels, spiced pineapple and fresh spritzy citrus on the finish.
Nicely balanced - very easy drinking!
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 21st, 2008

Blackberries and sweet herbal aromas with earthy-rootsy notes and smoked game. On the palate the Glen Carlou is velvety smooth with fresh dark berries, cocoa and char flavours and lingering peppery spices on the finish.
Impressive.
Pair with roasted meat or grilled veg.
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 26th, 2008

A copper-tinged lady with a continuous bead and alluring aromas of red berries with undertones of honey flowers, toasted brioche, vanilla and pear compote spiked with ginger. Rich and creamy, just a suggestion of sweetness, crisp, not too toasty with exotic spices, candied lemon rind flavours and more gingery esscence on the finish.
Lovely!
Wine Scores Reviewed - February 25th, 2008

A boldly scented Pinot Noir - forward aromas of sweet cherry and raspberry with undertones of tobacco and spice. Quite voluptuous on the palate showing creamy cherry/berry, warm spices, cedar and forest-y hints with a smooth, lingering finish.
Yum!
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 13th, 2008

The screw-off cap just makes it easier to access this tasty Zin.
Mixed berry aromas featuring raspberry and blueberry, coffee, chocolate, fresh tobacco and penicil shavings, pretty floral undertones and spice. The palate has more fresh summer berries, cola 'allspice' flavours, vanilla, chocolate and coffee with leathery hints, bright acidity and integrated tannins.
It'll go down as quickly as the cap comes off - and all this from 35-80 year old vines!
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 5th, 2008

Aromas are of rhubarb and tart red fruit, spices and savoury/earthy notes with coffee bean, vanilla, tobacco and dark cocoa. On the palate it's juicy, medium-bodied with roasted coffee beans, creamy berries, spice and hints of char.
A simple, screw capped and affordable Zin.
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 13th, 2009

This is an interesting wine - similar in some respect to an Italian Amarone - made by drying the grapes after harvest. Ergo, raisined grapes with less water but more intensity.
Don't expect sweet, but rather a more subtle, earthy dessert wine with dried cherry and dried plum, kirsch-like flavours with spice and toast, clove and pepper.
You could serve with spiced dark chocolate or perhaps strong cheeses.
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 19th, 2007

This Riesling has a ripeness that comes from its later (November 5th 2006) harvesting but it's by no means a sweet late harvest wine.
Aromas of peaches and apricot jam, minerals and candied lemon peel. Smooth and surprisingly lush on the palate with orchard fruit flavours lightly spiked with sweet spices. Off-dry yes, but showing fresh acidity.
Very quaffable.
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 27th, 2007

The label: A ginning beaver clad in boxers may not be the first picture that comes to mind when one thinks of wine but you can't argue its colourful impact. The labels are going through a minor change next vintage but the beaver stays!
The wine: Delicate aromas of apricot and apple peel with minerals and a dash of sweet spice. Mouth-wateringly zesty on the palate with loads of fresh citrus flavours and a long clean finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 6th, 2007

Ripe, juicy red berry and cedar-y aromas with coffee bean and pepper notes. Supple and sweet on the tongue showing fresh spiced cherries, lovely balanced acidity and lingering coffee flavours.
Good value.
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 16th, 2008

A lush, tropically scented Sauvignon Blanc with aromas of pineapple and golden kiwi, snap peas and gooseberry. Crisp and zippy on the palate with an appealing roundness on the tongue and hints of grass and citrus zest on the finish.
Perfect for those who prefer a riper, less austere style of Sauv Blanc.
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 17th, 2008

Dark cherry red in colour with juicy blackberry and plummy aromas, loads of dark earth, cocoa, and some cherry-vanilla notes. Fresh on the entry - meaty/earthy nuances, bitter-sweet chocolate and finely ground pepper and oak spice on the finish.
Good value- pair with rich meat or grilled vegetable dishes.
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 1st, 2008

Plums and smoky dark fruits, loads of pepper and savoury undertones of herbs and seasoning salt. Smooth and juicy in the mouth, primary black fruit and pepper then again savoury takes hold - earthy, spicy and smoky flavours linger...
Good value - pair with rich meat or hard cheeses
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 5th, 2009

The "Road 13 White" smells of tangerine rind, honeysuckle and key lime with a suggestion of the honeyed-muskiness of the Muscat grape. Zippy and refreshing on the palate it shows mouth-watering white grapefruit and a clean minerality with a long zesty finish.
38%Ehrenfelser, 30% Gewurztraminer, 23% Chenin Blanc, 6% Viognier, 2% Chardonnay, 1% Orange Muscat
As reviewed on CityFood.com August 13 2007
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 8th, 2007

The Black Arts is sporting a handsome new label this year screen-printed onto the bottles. The "Black Arts" is the Golden Mile Cellars premium level of wine that has been tenderly handled by winemaker Michael Bartier and lovingly embraced by some serious French oak.
Sweet upfront dark fruit, leather, earth, allspice, chocolate and roasted coffee aromas. Clean fruit on the palate with meaty elements, bittersweet chocolate, warm silky spices and a long toasty finish.
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Syrah and Cabernet Franc.
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 8th, 2007

I love the Golden Mile "Road 13 White" as a crisp sipper but the "5th Element" is truly boxing in another weight class.
Primarily Viognier with the addition of 25% Orange Muscat and 14% Chardonnay this wine seduces. Honey tangerines, exotic floral aromas and a creamy fruit-cup compote of pears and peaches. On the palate it is fresh, dry and weighty with lemon/lime, marmalade, honeysuckle and mineral flavours.
A bottle to impress!
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 8th, 2007

This garnet-hued red blend shows bold fruity and earthy aromas--black cherry, plums, cocoa, smoky bacon and chargrilled meat aromas with just a suggestion of greenery.
Being all for equality Golden Mile suggests pairing this wine with a steak...or a thick slab of barbequed tofu!
Made from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir--which winemaker Michael Bartier says makes the wine "absolutely much better"!
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 6th, 2007

A Chardonnay brimming with tropical fruit and citrus, smoke, minerals and hints of toasted nuts and spice. Smooth and ripe with a rounded texture and clean, toasty finish.
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 25th, 2007

Fresh, ripe fruit--pear, cantaloupe and mandarin zest with floral and patchouli notes supported by caramelized nuts and vanilla. Clean and smooth with sweet fruit, lemon and spice flavours--hearty on the mid-palate with lingering oak on the finish.
Just released August 2007!
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 8th, 2007

The grapes for the 2006 Pinot Noir were harvested from both Cawston (Similkameen) and from Black Sage near Oliver.
The wine is a dusty cherry colour and purely masculine in style with aromas of maraschino cherries, darkly toasted oak, smoke and leather. It's velvety texture rolls across your palate with a smooth weight and it's flavoured with red berry and cherry, spiced oak, a hint of greenery and more toast. The tannins are present but not overwhelming, the price agreeable.
Hearty food pairings required--meat, duck, roasted mushrooms and grilled dishes.
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 8th, 2007